Flu Vaccination Eligibility
The winter 2023/24 flu programme ends on 31st March 2024, we will keep you updated of the next flu programme.
Eligible for the free flu vaccination during winter 2023/24 flu season are those:
- aged 65 years and over
- aged 6 months to under 65 years who have certain long term health conditions
- who are pregnant
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- who are in long-stay residential care
- who receive a carers allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- who are a close contact of, or who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- who are frontline health and social care workers
Primary school and some secondary school aged children are also eligible, however these will be offered in schools.
Flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
If you have a long-term health condition that would put you at risk if you get flu, but it is not included in this list; contact the practice to enquire whether you are eligible for the free flu vaccine.
COVID-19 Spring Booster Vaccination Eligibility
Eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccination during spring 2024 are those:
- Aged 75 years and over
- Live in a care home for older adults
- Are aged 6 months old or over and have a weakened immune system
- Acute or Chronic leukaemia
- Acute or Chronic lymphoma
- Undergoing chemo or radiotherapy (currently or within the last 6 months)
- Immunosupressed due to HIV/aids
- Those on biological immunosuppressant therapy
- Immunomodulating medication
- High dose long term corticosteroids
- Bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients