Flu jabs for certain groups, including pregnant women and children, started on Tuesday 1st September. They are also available for young people aged 17 and over attending a special educational needs (SEN) school who are also in a clinical risk group.

GP practices and pharmacies

Eligible people will be able to get their flu vaccination from a variety of places in their local community. This includes GP practices and participating high street pharmacies.

Pregnant women can access the vaccination through their maternity service (if their maternity service offers this).

You can book an appointment:

• here online.
• using the the NHS app.

Or you can book over the phone by calling 119 free of charge. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.

Vaccinations are usually given to adults by injection, while a nasal spray is provided for most children.

Flu can be a serious illness

Flu can be a serious illness for children, pregnant women, older adults and people with some long-term health conditions. For these people flu can result in them being hospitalised. In certain cases, it can cause severe respiratory failure or even death.

Last winter, nearly 19 million people in England received a flu jab. It is estimated that as a result of those vaccinations, around 104,000 hospitalisations were avoided last year.

You can help lower the risk of you or your child being admitted to hospital with flu by booking an appointment now.

Other groups

Other groups, including those aged 65 years and over, all adults in a clinical risk group, and adults in care homes, will start receiving Flu jabs from the start of October. Carers and people in close contact with the immunocompromised and frontline healthcare workers will also be eligible from October. People experiencing homelessness will be able to access the NHS vaccine for the first time this October in recognition of their vulnerability.

You can find out more about who should have the flu vaccine and how to get it here.

Jab is one of our best defences

England’s Chief Nursing Officer Duncan Burton said: “The flu jab is one of our best defences against winter illness. It takes just a few minutes, but it can protect you for months, helping to prevent serious illness, avoid hospital admissions and keep the most vulnerable people safe.

“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward as soon as they are invited. By getting your flu jab, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also your loved ones, your community and helping the NHS prepare for winter”.

Book early

Dr Julie Yates, UK Health Security Agency’s Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, said: “Booking early means you’ll be vaccinated in good time, before these viruses start circulating widely, giving you the best possible protection through the autumn and winter months. I strongly encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer and get vaccinated”.