Winter Vaccines
Winter Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are now available for people who are eligible. It’s strongly recommended you get vaccinated if you’re eligible this winter. Please contact the surgery if you are eligible to be booked in.
Flu vaccine
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Who cannot have the flu vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it.
You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.
Covid-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS to people at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you're at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:
- help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
- help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
- help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
- protect against different types of COVID-19 virus
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk from COVID-19.
You may be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- are pregnant
- are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
Who cannot have the COVID-19 vaccine
Most people who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine can have it.
Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example, if you're under 18 years old. Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.
Most people with allergies can have the COVID-19 vaccine, including if you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to a previous dose, such as a rash, swelling, wheezing or hives.
If you've ever had an allergic reaction, tell the healthcare staff at your appointment before you're vaccinated.
If you’re at risk of a severe allergic reaction, vaccination staff or your GP may refer you to an expert allergist or specialist to assess your risk. They may advise you to have the COVID-19 vaccine at a specialist clinic or hospital where you can be monitored. This will only happen in rare cases, for example if you have a history of anaphylaxis.
Published on 28 September 2024