Flu vaccinations are offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. If you are not eligible for an NHS flu vaccination then you can pay and get this privately at our pharmacies.

Why flu vaccination is important

Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading.

Getting the flu vaccine:

• Gives you the best protection against flu
• Protects you against this year’s strain of flu
• If you catch the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms will be milder
• Helps protect those around you who may not be able to get the jab
• Lowers the risk of serious complications for those who are more prone to catching flu
• Will prevent you from being seriously ill if you also get coronavirus at the same time

Who can have the flu vaccine free on the NHS?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 and over
• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• front line health and social care workers
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:

• respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
• diabetes
• heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
• being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as hepatitis
• some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
• a learning disability
• problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
• a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy