Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility

Flu Vaccination Eligibility

Eligible for the free flu vaccination this year are those:

• aged 50 and over (by 31st March 2023 – i.e. born on or before 31st March 1973)
• who have certain long term health conditions
• who are pregnant
• who are in long-stay residential care
• who receive a carers allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• who are frontline health and social care workers
• aged 2 – 3 on August 31st 2022 – i.e. born between September 1st 2018 and August 31st 2020

Please note that if you are aged 50 – 64 and do not fall into the other categories, you will be invited for your vaccine(s) on 15th October. This is to ensure our most vulnerable patients receive their vaccination first.

Primary school and some secondary school aged children are also eligible, however these will be done offered in schools.

Flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:

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

If you have a long-term health condition that would put you at risk if you get flu, but it is not included in this list; contact the practice to enquire whether you are eligible for the free flu vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility

In line with the JCVI’s guidance, we will be offering the following people an additional COVID-19 vaccination this autumn:

• all adults aged 50 years and over
• those aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women
• those aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• those aged 16 to 49 years who are carers
• residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults
• frontline health and social care workers

Please note that if you are aged 50 – 64 and do not fall into the other categories, you will be invited for your vaccine(s) in October at the earliest. This is to ensure our most vulnerable patients receive their vaccination first.