Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Paula Griffiths - October 18, 2024October 18, 2024

Flu can be unpleasant, but if you’re otherwise healthy, it’ll usually clear up on its own in about a week.

This year the flu vaccine is being offered on the NHS to:

adults aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
people with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age. See list below)
pregnant women
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
children aged 2 and 3
are the main carer for someone

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people with certain long-term health conditions, including:

respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a 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 cirrhosis or hepatitis
some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
a learning disability
problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

Anyone in these risk groups is more likely to develop potentially serious complications of flu, such as pneumonia (a lung infection), so it’s recommended that they have a flu vaccine every year to help protect them.

If you, or a dependent of yours, is aged six months or older and falls in one of the groups above (or you have received a flu vaccination invitation letter you will be eligible for the flu vaccination). The vaccine offers you the best possible protection against the main flu strains in circulation this winter.

For more information please visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/

Vaccine FAQs

Can I have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time?

Yes. If you are offered both vaccines, it is completely safe to do so.

Will the flu vaccine give me the flu?

No. The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu – it is an inactivated vaccine. This means it does not contain any of the live flu virus.

Is the flu vaccine halal?

The flu vaccine does not contain any pork ingredient or gelatine. However, the flu nasal spray recommended for children includes porcine gelatin. The British Fatwa council has permitted the use of the nasal spray in children.

I am pregnant, will the flu vaccine harm me or my baby?

No it will not. Having the flu vaccine will help protect you and your baby. It is safe to have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.

Visit https://www.nwlondonicb.nhs.uk/Winter/flu for more information and flu myth busters

It is important that you have the right information when making any decision about taking a new medicine or vaccination. False information can lead to some not being able to make an informed choice.