Book your winter vaccines to protect yourself and your loved ones

From Thursday 3 October, most eligible people will be able to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. All those eligible are urged to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccines offer to get winter strong.

Respiratory viruses, such as flu, usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period. To ensure we do not miss the festive celebrations with friends and family, and to help everyone stay well in winter, book your vaccination today.

As immunity fades over time and viruses change each year, it is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before. If you are vaccinated and catch flu or COVID-19 this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.

Most eligible adults will be able to get their flu vaccine from 3 October. This may be later than you’ve had the vaccine before, but it means you’ll have the best protection when flu is most widespread. Pregnant women and children will continue to be able to get the flu vaccine from September.

If you are aged 65 or over, have certain health conditions, or are pregnant, you are eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Check your eligibility and book an appointment.

School-aged children (from reception to year 11) will mainly be offered their flu vaccinations at school. There will be further opportunities for children to get vaccinated in NHS community clinics, including for the home educated. For most children, the vaccine is a nasal spray, not an injection. It is quick and painless.

Pregnant women are now eligible for the RSV vaccine and should also get their whooping cough vaccine. Both vaccines are passed through the placenta to the baby, protecting them in the first few months of life and can stop them from becoming seriously ill. Pregnant women should speak to their GP or maternity team for more information.