The UK Health Security (UKHSA) is urging 10 groups of people to come forward for an “essential” vaccine this autumn in a bid to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and even deaths. According to the health body, getting jabbed against the flu is “vital”.
Online and over-the-phone bookings have already opened with the first appointments available from October 3.
Most eligible people will be contacted by their GP practice but if this is not the case you are advised to get in touch with your surgery.
Without the vaccine certain vulnerable people could be at risk of “serious” lung and airway infections, the health body warned.
In an update, the UKHSA said: “As we approach winter, it’s time for people at risk to be booked in for their free flu jab. If you’re eligible, you need to know why it matters that you take up the offer.
“Flu is far more than just a bad cold. For those susceptible, it can increase the risk of developing serious lung and airway infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. Flu spreads easily and can lead to hospitalisation – in some cases, even death. The flu virus is constantly evolving, which is why getting vaccinated each year is vital.”
There are 10 groups eligible for the jab this year. They are:
- Everyone aged 65 years and over
- Individuals under 65 with certain medical conditions, including children and babies over six months of age
- All pregnant women
- All children aged two and three years (provided they were aged two or three on 31 August 2024)
- All primary school children
- Some secondary school children (Years 7 to 11)
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Those living with people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
The NHS website contains further information on eligibility, but if you’re unsure whether you’re able to have a free vaccination you can consult your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist.
Calls for vaccination come as figures from the UKHSA showed that excess deaths in England associated with flu infection were higher (14,500) in 2022/23 than the average figure (13,500) for the five years before the pandemic.
This is the highest figure since the 2017 to 2018 season, when there were 22,500 excess deaths associated with flu.
How and when to get vaccinated
If you are eligible for a flu vaccination, the NHS will usually let you know when you can book an appointment. Speak to your GP practice if you have not been contacted, but think you are eligible.
Online and telephone booking opens on September 23, and appointments are available for eligible adults from October 3. If you are pregnant you can have the vaccine now: speak to your GP practice, midwife or pharmacist.
The UKHSA said: “The best time to get your flu jab is in the autumn or early winter, before flu starts circulating widely. However, if you miss this window, it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season.”
It added: “As we enter the 2024 flu season, taking proactive steps to protect our health has never been more important. As well as providing individual protection, flu vaccination will help reduce hospitalisations and relieve some of the burden on the NHS this winter.”
To find out more or to book your appointment, visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination.