NHS Information about testing for COVID-19

Flu Vaccinations:

Last updated: 28 September 2022

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

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 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

·         are frontline health workers

·         are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to children who:

·         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 6 months to 17 years with long-term health conditions

Starting from mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2023) can have a free NHS flu vaccine. This is so at-risk groups can be offered vaccination first.

If you’re in this age group and have a long-term health condition that puts you at risk from flu, you do not have to wait until mid-October.

Which vaccine will I get?

Which vaccine you get depends mainly on your age.

The flu vaccines available for the 2022-2023 season are:

How can I book a flu vaccination?

If you are eligible, where you can have your flu vaccine also depends on age:

·         6 months until starting primary school – GP Surgery

·         Attending primary school – school

·         Attending secondary school – school

·         Children over primary school age who are home schooled, or not in mainstream education – community clinic

·         Aged 18 or over – GP surgery, pharmacies, and some maternity services.

If you are also due an Autumn COVID-19 booster and we have a mobile number for you, you will receive a text from us with a link to book directly into one of our clinics where you can have both vaccinations at the same time.  If you do not have a mobile number, or have dissented to receiving text messages, we will call you.

We are unable to offer flu vaccines to those aged 50-64 who are not in a clinical risk group until mid-October in line with the rest of the NHS.

You can also call us on 01903 742942 to book an appointment in one of our COVID-19 and flu clinics.

Your children’s schools will be in contact regarding the clinics being held during school time.

We will be contacting families of younger children separately regarding our child flu clinics.

Please find below some useful links for COVID-19 for patients

Latest Government Guidance to COVID-19

Symptoms of COVID-19

How to look after yourself if you have COVID-19

If you have Covid-19 what to do

NHS COVID Pass Information for adults and over 16 Years

NHS COVID Pass Information for 12-15 Years

COVID-19 PANORAMIC antiviral clinical trial