2023/24 Seasonal Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccinations

Information from the NHS winter vaccinations website:

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

It's important to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from these illnesses.

Who should have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines

You may be able get the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• have certain health conditions or a learning disability
• are pregnant
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are a carer
• are a frontline health or social care worker
• live in a care home

Most children can get the children's flu vaccine. This includes children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain health conditions.

How to get the flu vaccine

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over)
• some maternity services (if you're pregnant)

You do not have to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.

Find out more about the flu vaccine and how to get it 

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine

If you're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you can:

• book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online 
• go to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site 

You do not have to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.

Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to get it 

Pneumococcal vaccine

If you're 65 or over, you're also eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumonia. Ask your GP surgery.

Who's most at risk from cold weather?

Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. This includes:

• people aged 65 and older
• babies and children under the age of 5
• people on a low income (so cannot afford heating)
• people who have a long-term health condition
• people with a disability
• pregnant women
• people who have a mental health condition

Keep warm and get help with heating

Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.

Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18°C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It's best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.

Make sure you're getting all the help that you're entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills.

From NHS website, for more information visit www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.