Flu

Flu image

Home » Your Health and Care » Flu

Flu is always unpredictable and this season it is even more unpredictable than ever before as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

The influenza virus can be life-threatening, spread more easily in winter and it’s easy for us to pass the virus on without knowing.

The best way to stay protected is by getting the flu vaccine.

You are eligible for the flu vaccine if you:

  • 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

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 that at-risk groups can be offered a vaccination first.

If you’re aged 50 to 64 and have a long-term health condition that puts you at risk from flu, you do not have to wait until mid-October.

Some children will also be offered the vaccine in a nasal spray, which is safe and effective. Find out who is eligible and where children will get the nasal vaccine spray.

It’s now more important than ever that you help us to help you and protect yourself, protect your family and those you care for. If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, please take it when you are offered.

Who is eligible and why do we need the flu vaccine?

Carers and the Flu Vaccination

Flu can be easily spread (even if you are not showing symptoms) to those around you who are vulnerable and for whom you have caring responsibilities. If you are in receipt of a carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an older or disabled person you are eligible for the free flu vaccination. Ask your pharmacist or GP.

Dr Sarah Whiteman explains why it is so important for Carers to get vaccinated and how you can access a free flu vaccination as a carer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LUGu5b7HYc 

Mythbusting Information

Flu Vaccine – Mythbusting for Adults

Flu Vaccine – Mythbusting for Children

Flu vaccination – Who needs it and why?

A number of local health professionals have created videos in various languages to explain the flu vaccination, who needs it and why. You find these linked below:

Dr Sarah Whiteman (English)

Dr Vidya Das (Bengali)

Dr Florianna Ellis (Romanian)

Dr Qurat Ul Ain (Urdu)

Useful information about the flu vaccine

If you need an easy read version of the information above, please download our leaflet and poster:

Flu Easy Read Leaflet

Flu Easy Read Poster

If you need an audio version of the information above, you can download the following files:

Flu Vaccine, who should have it and why audio file

Protect your child from flu audio file

If you need BSL version of the information above, please download the following files:

Protect your child from flu leaflet – British Sign Language (BSL) version

Flu vaccination, who needs it and why leaflet – British Sign Language version

BSL – Dr Sarah Whiteman talks about the importance of getting your flu jab

If you need a large print version of the information above, please download:

Large Print Flu_vaccination who should have it and why

Large Print Protect_your_child_against_flu

Leaflets have also been created in various languages. Please download:

Information for Parents and Carers

Various leaflets have been created in different languages for parents and carers explaining the flu vaccination for children. Please download:

Vaccine Supplies – Why am I being asked to wait to have my flu vaccine?

View all news

Latest news and highlights

News

20 February 2025

Women in East of England could get cancer detected earlier as a result…

Breast cancer cases in the East of England could be detected earlier as a major new NHS drive begins, supporting thousands more women in the region…

News

20 February 2025

Embrace the outdoors this half term with some family fun

A senior NHS leader is encouraging families to get out and about this February half term despite the chilly weather. Engaging in outdoor activities not…

News

18 February 2025

Parents urged to catch up on children’s vaccinations at clinics this February…

Parents of children who have not received all of their routine immunisations have been urged to attend a series of catch-up sessions this February half term. Dates have now been…

News

17 February 2025

Act to help prevent cancer during Cancer Prevention Action Week

A senior NHS doctor in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes is calling on all residents to look at their lifestyles to help reduce the chances of getting cancer, during Cancer…

News

14 February 2025

Look after your heart health this Valentine’s Day

Elizabeth Barrett Browning famously asked her beloved: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways,” but as Valentine’s Day arrives, a local NHS leader has reminded men and…

News

12 February 2025

NHS urges eligible people to get free RSV vaccination

NHS England has launched a new campaign to encourage uptake of free RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccinations which will be available from 10 February 2025. RSV causes common colds and…