Flu vaccination
Don't forget to have your annual flu vaccination
Residents who are most vulnerable to flu are encouraged to have their free NHS flu vaccination each year, not only to help protect themselves, but also those around them. The annual one-off vaccination changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had one last year, you’ll need another one this year to ensure you’re flu safe. It’s quick and easy to do at your GP practice or local participating pharmacy.
Eligible groups
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- 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 about eligibility visit the NHS website
Children
The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023 (born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2021)
- all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- some secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11)
- children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
- If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years and has a long-term health condition that makes them at higher risk from flu, they'll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray. This is because the nasal spray is not licensed for children under 2 years old.
For more information about the child's flu vaccine visit the NHS website
Community pharmacies
A number of pharmacies in Herefordshire offer the free NHS vaccine frontline health and social care staff. Please remember to check with them in advance, before you visit.
Find your nearest community pharmacy on the NHS website.
Pay for your own flu vaccination
If you're not in any of the above mentioned eligible groups, you can still have a flu vaccination and pay for it yourself. There's a number of community pharmacies within the county which provide this service, which costs approximately £5 to £14, depending on the pharmacy.
Did you know....Up to 77% of people with flu have no symptoms, so you could be spreading the disease to your family, friends and colleagues without even knowing it!