Free flu vaccine is available to more people this year

The flu vaccination season begins each Autumn and getting vaccinated against flu this year is more important than ever.

With COVID-19 still in circulation, this year’s campaign is particularly vital to protect the most vulnerable and reduce the number of people needing flu treatment from the NHS. People aged 50 to 64 are being invited for vaccination for the first time. They’ll be invited after the main at-risk groups have had theirs.

The free flu vaccine is automatically available to:

• People who are on the shielded patient list and members of their household.
• All school year groups up to year 7.
• People aged over 65, pregnant women, and those with some pre-existing conditions including at-risk under 2s.

People aged 50 to 64 will be invited after this. The NHS will contact people directly with information about where to go to get the vaccine.

The expanded flu vaccination programme is part of plans to ready the NHS – both for the risk of a second peak of coronavirus cases, and to relieve winter pressures on A&E and emergency care. Increased vaccinations will help to reduce pressure on the NHS this winter by preventing flu-sickness.

Flu can be a serious disease, especially for vulnerable people or those with underlying health conditions and can cause hospitalisation and even death.

Look out for more information on the flu campaign from the NHS over the coming weeks including messages from your GP practice.