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
You’re eligible for a free flu vaccination, if you’re:
- are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by 31 March 2023)
- 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
- A frontline health or social care worker
Children
The flu vaccine is also free for children:
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020)
- all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- some secondary school aged children
- children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
For most children, the flu vaccine is a quick nasal spray instead of an injection.
To find out more about who should have the flu vaccination, visit the NHS website.
Community pharmacies
A number of pharmacies in Herefordshire offer the free NHS vaccine to eligible groups, including 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!