UK flu vaccine and health conditions that make you eligible this autumn

The flu vaccine is given free to a alternative of oldsters and the NHS will in most cases let you know in autumn or early chilly weather when you can salvage your flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is a minute bit later this year with many folks questioning when they’ll salvage it. With autumn on its manner – starting on September 22 and ending on December 21 – many folks ought to aloof rapidly launch to salvage letters thru the door for their free NHS jab.

Nonetheless as well to all things pumpkin-themed and brown leaves falling to the ground, folks must think in regards to the flu jab. There are many folks that are eligible and you can salvage it very rapidly. So who is eligible for the flu jab and what attain you must attain to salvage it? Here is what you must know.

Who’s eligible for the flu vaccine?

The NHS states the vaccine helps provide protection to in opposition to flu “which can be a serious or life-threatening illness” which is why it is mandatory to salvage it when equipped. The flu vaccine is recommended for folks at increased threat of getting severely in unhappy health from flu.

You can salvage the free NHS flu vaccine from September 1 if you fit the following:

• pregnant females
• all young folks veteran 2 or 3 years earlier (on 31 August 2024)
• all most fundamental college-veteran young folks (from Reception class to one year 6)
• secondary college-veteran young folks from Years 7 to 11
• all young folks in scientific threat groups veteran from 6 months to diminish than 18 years

You can salvage the free NHS flu vaccine from October 3 if you fit the following:

• these veteran 18 to beneath 65 years in scientific threat groups
• these veteran 65 years and over
• these in prolonged-handle residential care properties
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or folks who’re the most fundamental carer of an aged or disabled particular person
• shut contacts of immunocompromised folks
• locum GPs
• frontline team employed by the forms of social care providers without employer-led occupational health schemes
• these living in prolonged-handle residential care properties or nursing properties, other prolonged-handle health or social care products and services or a condominium-glide patient (outlined within the ES specification)

Health conditions that imply you’re eligible for the flu vaccine

GOV.UK advise that the below are examples of scientific threat groups. This entails:

• chronic (prolonged-term) respiratory illness, corresponding to bronchial asthma (requires continuous or repeated exercise of inhaled or systemic steroids or with earlier exacerbations requiring health center admission), chronic obstructive pulmonary illness (COPD) or bronchitis
• chronic neurological illness, corresponding to Parkinson’s illness or motor neurone illness
• a weakened immune system on account of illness (corresponding to HIV/AIDS) or drugs (corresponding to most cancers drugs)
• morbidly overweight (outlined as BMI of 40 and above)
• chronic heart illness, corresponding to heart failure
• chronic kidney illness at stage 3, 4 or 5
• chronic liver illness
• a studying disability
• diabetes and adrenal insufficiency
• splenic dysfunction or asplenia

You ought to aloof consult with your GP surgery or specialist if you personal a health condition and you’re in doubt if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.

How and when can I salvage the flu vaccine?

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can salvage your vaccine from:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re veteran 18 or over)

Some folks might well furthermore be eligible to salvage their jab thru their maternity carrier or care dwelling. The NHS in most cases sends out letters within the autumn or early chilly weather telling you when you can salvage your flu jab. If you haven’t got any note nonetheless think you’re eligible, it is suggested to contact your GP.

By manner of the dates for getting your vaccine gov.uk advise that adults can ask all of it over the following few weeks. They advise: “This year there has been a change to when the flu vaccination programme for adults starts, with most adults to be offered a vaccine from 3 October. The only exceptions to this later start date are for pregnant women and children who should continue to be offered vaccination from September, and under exceptional clinical circumstances where earlier vaccination may be appropriate.”

You can book or assassinate a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy here. This carrier might be originate from 23 September 2024. The NHS will contact you if your NHS declare suggests you might well furthermore be eligible for a flu vaccination.

You can name 119 freed from cost to book over the phone if you can now not book online and consult with a translator if you must. You can exercise textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter carrier if you personal difficulties speaking or listening to, or if you are a BSL consumer.