Flu and Covid vaccines 2023
Invitations have now been sent to all patients eligible for a free flu vaccine
This year the NHS is prioritising children’s nasal flu vaccinations to prevent children from becoming seriously ill and to prevent them from spreading the virus to the wider population.
Who should have the nasal spray flu vaccine?
The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:
- children aged 2 or 3 years
- all primary school children (reception to year 6)
- some secondary school aged children
- children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
Children aged 2 or 3 years on the 31st August 2023 and children with long-term health conditions can have a nasal flu vaccination at their GP surgery. School aged children without a long-term health condition will be offered it at school.
For more information please visit: https://www.england.nhs.uk/north-west/keeping-you-well/covid-19-vaccination-information/flu-vaccination-information/childrens-flu-vaccine/
Who can have the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- 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
For more information please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/