Free Flu vaccinations are available
Millions of people can now book their flu and COVID vaccines, which officials hope will ease pressure on the health service ahead of the winter months.
It comes amid concerns from NHS England over a so-called "tripledemic" of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Bookings can be made through the NHS website, app or by calling 119.
Where and when to get the flu jab
It’s best to have the flu vaccination in the autumn before flu starts spreading in winter.
The flu vaccine is offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu or who are most likely to pass flu to other people at risk.
If you're eligible for the flu vaccine, the NHS will let you know when you can get it.
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service – if you're aged 18 or over
To get the vaccination, speak to your GP or practice nurse or pharmacist, or visit the NHS website.
School-aged children will receive their vaccination from a trained health professional at school.
Who can receive the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:
- are 65 and over
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- frontline health or social care workers
COVID-19 booster vaccination
Some people are being offered a COVID booster vaccination this autumn, this includes anyone over 65, people with health conditions and health and social care workers.
Visit the NHS website to find out more about the COVID-19 booster vaccine and who can get it.
If you are offered all three vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.
RSV vaccine available for first time
What is RSV?
For the first time, the NHS is also offering an RSV vaccine this autumn.
It is available to women from the 28th week of pregnancy to protect their newborns, as well as older people aged 75 to 79.
Read more: What is RSV?
Flu vaccine information for Social care workers and carers
The Department of Health and Social care and NHS has produced flu vaccine information for social care workers and carers.
It gives details on the benefits of the flu vaccination and options for accessing it. Those who should receive a flu vaccination include all front-line adult social care workers,
social care workers working with children who are clinically vulnerable to flu, and some carers.