Flu vaccination is part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign, a joint initiative from NHS England and Public Health England, to help the public ward off common winter illnesses. As well as protecting against flu, the SWTW campaign will encourage those in at risk groups to prepare for winter, with advice on how to ward off common illnesses and avoid preventable hospital admission.
Cold weather can be seriously bad for your health. That's why it's important to look after yourself, especially during the winter. If you start to feel unwell, even if it's a cough or a cold, don't wait until it gets more serious. Seek advice from your pharmacist.
You are eligible for the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, are aged 65 years or over, have a long term health condition*, or are a carer. Children aged 2 or 3 years are also eligible.
It's an important, easy way to stay well this winter. Ask your GP, pharmacist or midwife about the free flu vaccine.
Why flu vaccination is important for carers
Carers are people who are in receipt of a carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
The flu jab is the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for from flu.
The flu can be far more serious for the person you care for than you think. It can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and could even land them in hospital.
Don't put it off – contact your GP or pharmacist to get the flu jab now. It's free because you need it.
Age 65 or over
Flu can be more severe in people aged 65 or over. Flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia (a lung infection), and you could end up in hospital. Don't put it off – contact your GP or a pharmacist to get a flu vaccine now. It's free because you need it.
Why flu vaccination is important for people with long term health conditions
Flu on top of any long term health condition can easily develop into something very serious, and you could end up in hospital. You are eligible for the free flu jab if you have the following conditions:
- COPD, bronchitis, emphysema or asthma
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Have had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Diabetes
- Lowered immunity as a result of disease or medical treatment, such as steroid medication or cancer treatment
- A neurological condition, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy, or a learning disability
- A problem with your spleen, including sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
- A BMI of 40 or above (seriously overweight)
Don't put it off – contact your GP or pharmacist to get the flu jab now. It's free because you need it.
