Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors and can cause serious illness.
Respiratory viruses, such as flu, usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period. Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best possible protection.
It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
If you are vaccinated and catch flu or COVID-19 this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.
Those eligible for both a flu and COVID-19 vaccine include people with certain long-term conditions, those aged 65 and over and pregnant women.
Parents of children who are aged 2 or 3 (on or before 31 August 2024) should contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination.
School-aged children (from reception to Year 11) will mainly be offered their flu vaccinations at school.
There will be further opportunities for children to get vaccinated in NHS community clinics (including for the home educated).
For most children the vaccine is a nasal spray, not an injection. It is quick and painless.
Pregnant women are now eligible for the RSV vaccine and should also get their whooping cough vaccine. Both vaccines are passed through the placenta to the baby protecting them in the first few months of life and can stop them from becoming seriously ill. Pregnant women should speak to their GP or maternity team for more information.
All those eligible are urged to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong – don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.