Eligible people are being urged to get their vaccinations against flu and COVID-19 as soon as they are offered.
Care home residents and people who are housebound are among the first groups to start receiving vaccines, along with frontline health and social care staff. Vaccinations for these groups have already started.
Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness in people with existing health conditions. Immunisation experts from the JCVI have drawn up a list of those who need extra protection with a flu vaccine, a COVID-19 booster, or both.
The list includes people aged 65 and over, those with a weakened immune system, some health conditions, front line health and social care staff and carers. Pregnant women are also entitled to a flu vaccination.
It is important that those who are eligible top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year. Without a vaccination, some people are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell or being admitted to hospital.
Over the coming weeks GP practices will contact their patients to invite them to a vaccination clinic, but eligible people can also choose to have their vaccinations at a local pharmacy.
Eligible people can book a COVID booster by using the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119. For flu vaccinations from a pharmacy, please drop in to your preferred pharmacy to make an appointment. Please have your NHS number to hand when you come for your appointment.
The annual NHS flu vaccination programme for children is also getting underway slightly earlier than previous years in order to protect children before flu begins circulating. Children in reception to year 11 will be offered the nasal spray at school and children aged 2 and 3 years will be invited to have the nasal spray at their GP practice.