Eligible residents urged to get protected against flu this winter

People who qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination this winter have been reminded to make a plan to receive it, as the annual campaign kicks off in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

Since 1 September, the NHS has been inviting pregnant women, children aged 2 or 3 years (at 31 August 2025) and children with certain long-term health conditions to come forward for a vaccination.  Parents of primary and secondary age children, from Reception to Year 11, will also be invited to give consent for vaccinations which will be offered at most schools.

The national booking service is now open for those aged 65 and over, and other eligible people, but the first appointments are not available until 1 October. 

You can get the NHS flu vaccine now if you:

• are pregnant;
• are a child aged 2 or 3 years (at 31 August 2025);
• are a child with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years);
• are a school-aged child (from Reception to Year 11) 
• are a child in a clinical risk group (aged from 6 months to under 18 years).

You can book now, for appointments from 1 October onwards, if you:

• are aged 65 years and over (or will turn 65 by 31 March 2026);
• are aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions (check online for more details);
• are a care home resident (although NHS staff will visit many care homes to provide vaccinations to residents);
• are a carer in receipt of carer’s allowance, or you are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person;
• live with someone who is immunocompromised;
• are a frontline health and social care worker.

Children aged 2 to 17 can get the children’s flu vaccine.  Some children with certain health conditions can get the COVID-19 vaccine.  Parents of children who are aged 2 or 3 (on or before 31 August 2024) should contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination.  In most cases, 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).

Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“Flu can be particularly dangerous for certain groups, including older people, pregnant women, young children, and those who have certain long-term health conditions.

“Children under six months old are not able to receive the flu vaccination, so if you’re pregnant then being vaccinated will protect you and your baby during your pregnancy and the early months of their life.  The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of your pregnancy, but it’s best to get vaccinated as soon as you can.

“The NHS website contains further information on eligibility but if you’re unsure whether you’re able to have a free vaccination you can ask your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist.  If you’re pregnant, you can also consult your midwife.

“Getting the flu vaccination is quick and easy, and it will protect you and those around you.  If you’re in one of the eligible categories, it’s free and you’re entitled to it, so make your appointment today.”

If you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can book it here.  If you can’t book online, you can call 119.  Alternatively, from 1 October you can walk in at any pharmacy offering the vaccination.