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.

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:

• 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

How to get the flu vaccine

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over)
• some maternity services (if you're pregnant)

You may receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.

How to avoid spreading the flu

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first 5 days.

Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu:

• wash your hands often with warm water and soap
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze (if you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the bend of your elbow, not into your hand)
• bin used tissues as quickly as possible

Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or you do not feel well enough to do your normal activities.

If your child is aged 2 to 3 years old

If you are registered with a GP Practice in Barking and Dagenham, and your child is aged 2-3 years, you can book your child to have a vaccine by visiting Togetherfirst.

A gelatine-free vaccine alternative is available.

You can also book an appointment directly with your GP.

For children aged 4 to 16 years old

Please visit the NHS web page on children's flu vaccinations. 

For more information please follow the links below :

Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Flu - NHS (www.nhs.uk)