lu Vaccination Campaign 2022/2023

As autumn approaches in the coming months, now is the time to start thinking about getting the annual flu jab. This year, the free jab will be offered to more people amidst concerns around the still-present coronavirus.

The NHS flu programme in England typically offers the flu vaccine to those over the age of 65, pregnant women and those with existing health conditions or weakened immune systems. These groups will remain a high priority this year, while the programme will also be extended to reach out to more people.

In a typical winter, flu is one of the biggest health concerns for many older and vulnerable people. With the additional threat of coronavirus this year, the public are being advised to take extra care to avoid both of these diseases. The government hopes for as many people as possible to receive the flu jab to reduce the risk of caregivers and healthcare workers coming under immense pressure.

We will be holding our Flu Clinics over the next few months. Due to the current COVID-19 situation they will operate in a slightly different way to previous years to protect our patients and staff.

We will be holding clinics for our clinically vulnerable patients who have been shielding from coronavirus. These patients will be amongst the first to be contacted by us alongside any family members they live with. This is so we can prioritise the members of our community who are the most vulnerable, including members of their household.

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

  • Adults 65 and over
  • People with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months)
  • Pregnant women
  • People living with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
  • Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2020
  • Children in Primary School
  • Children in Year 7 (secondary school)
  • Frontline health or social care workers

Flu Jabs for patients aged 50 – 64

Whilst we’ve received information that all 50-64 year olds may be eligible for a free flu vaccination as part of plans to protect more people against seasonal flu, these free vaccinations will be subject to delivery later in the year.

This allows us (GP’s and community pharmacists) to focus on those who are in an at risk group, such as pregnant women and people with long term health conditions.

They will be given priority and offered the vaccine first; if you are in this category you will be contacted.

If you are aged 50-64 and not in one of the at risk categories you will be made aware in the coming months if you will be able to attend for vaccination. If the programme is extended this is likely to be November or December.

Of course if you wish to access a vaccine prior to this date you can pay to have this at your local pharmacy as in previous years, otherwise please wait for more information.

External websites for further information: