COVID and flu vaccinations

COVID vaccine

COVID vaccination is safe and effective. It gives you the best protection against COVID.

Who can get a COVID vaccine

Only children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID can currently get a COVID vaccine.

You may be able to get a seasonal COVID vaccine in autumn 2023 if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID. For example, this may be due to a health condition or your age. The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.

If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, your specialist may advise you to get a COVID vaccine sooner. Speak to your specialist for more information.

Find out more about getting a COVID-19 vaccine

Flu vaccine

Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It’s offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

This page is about flu vaccination for adults.

Find out about flu vaccination for children

Why flu vaccination is important

Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • 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 a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

For more information visit Flu vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

If you are eligible we will be in touch with you to offer you an appointment at the surgery.

Date published: 24th May, 2022
Date last updated: 17th July, 2023