Health experts have urged eligible Britons to come forward for their flu vaccine, especially if they are more vulnerable due to pregnancy, age, or chronic health conditions.
The deputy chief medical of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) explained: “Flu and Covid circulated last winter causing significant peaks and resulting in thousands of hospitalisations and deaths. It is important that we are protected against both.
“Vaccination is our strongest form of defence so, if you are eligible, please come forward and get your jabs as soon as possible.”
Last year saw flu place a greater strain on hospitals than Covid-19, leading to more than 14,000 deaths in the winter of 2022 and 2023.
But how can you book a flu jab, who is eligible for a free vaccine, and where is it being offered?
Immunity from previous flu and COVID-19 vaccines fades, and the viruses change over time.
— NHS (@NHSuk) September 28, 2023
Top up your protection — even if you’ve had flu or COVID-19 or have been vaccinated before.
Check if you’re eligible and book now.
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Am I eligible for a free flu jab?
You can get a free flu jab on the NHS if:
- You are aged 65 or older;
- You have certain medical conditions, such as a heart problem, kidney disease, or diabetes;
- You are pregnant;
- You receive a carer’s allowance or you are the main caretaker of an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get ill;
- You live with someone who is likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system.
Where can I get a flu jab?
There are three places where you can receive the NHS flu vaccine. These are:
- Your GP surgery;
- A pharmacy offering the service;
- Certain maternity services if you are pregnant.
You may also be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.
How can I book my flu jab?
You can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it on the NHS.
Those eligible may also receive an invitation to get vaccinated — though you will not need to wait for this before booking an appointment.
Everyone who is eligible for the jab will be able to get it, NHS England has said.
Ask your GP or local pharmacy for more information on stock levels, as the vaccine is delivered in batches. If you are not able to get an appointment straightaway, they will advise on when more vaccines will become available.
What have health officials said about the flu season?
Vaccines minister Maria Caulfield said: “After beginning the NHS winter vaccination campaign early, this winter rollout will continue our tireless efforts to equip our communities with immunity against Covid and flu, and protect the most vulnerable among us.
“Flu placed a greater burden on hospitals than Covid last year, so it’s essential that we all take part in reducing pressure on the health system by booking our Covid and flu jabs as soon as possible to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from infection.”
Ms Caulfield added that the NHS has already administered flu jabs to 2.8 million people since September, along with more than one million autumn Covid jabs.
“Please do come forward and get your jabs to protect yourself and your loved ones,” she added.
