One in five eligible people has already had their flu jab

One in five people eligible for the flu immunisation in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes has already had their vaccination, new figures show.

Eligible adults were able to visit their general practice or a local pharmacy to receive their vaccination starting from 1 October, although immunisations for children began through general practices and school-based sessions in September.  So far this winter, over 113,000 (20.2%) have received a flu vaccination.

The figures mark an increase on the equivalent figure last year; this is partly due to an earlier start for the school-based delivery programme, but around 10,000 more people aged over 65 have received their vaccinations than at the same point last year.

You can get the NHS flu vaccine now 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 has a weakened immune system;
• are a frontline health or social care worker;
• are pregnant;
• are a child aged 2 or 3 years (at 31 August 2025);
• are a child with certain long-term health conditions or in a clinical risk group (aged 6 months to less than 18 years);
• are a school-aged child (from Reception to Year 11).

In most cases, school-aged children will be offered their flu vaccinations at school.  There will be further opportunities for children to be vaccinated in NHS community clinics (for those educated at home, or who were unwell on the day the immunisation team visited their school); you can check online for details of venues near you.

Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical director 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.  Remember that we can all do our bit to protect those who can’t be vaccinated.

“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.