Winter vaccines
Boost your immunity this winter. Vaccines are the best protection we have against life-threatening viruses like flu and Covid-19
IT’S THE flu season — and Covid-19 hasn’t gone away. So if you’re eligible for a flu jab and/or Covid booster, it’s really important to get vaccinated.
“I am grateful to the Almighty for the blessing of having been able to have my Covid booster jab and also my flu jab,” says Chief Rabbi, Ephraim Mirvis. “I did so as a religious obligation, in line with the best available medical advice to safeguard our own health and wellbeing and to protect those around us. Our responsibility to heed the advice of our medical professionals remains as crucial today as ever before.”
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, says: “We are facing a challenging winter but we can all help ourselves and those around us by taking up the Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine, if eligible. Getting vaccinated against both viruses will not only help to protect us and our loved ones, but will also help protect the NHS from potential strain this winter.”
Why do we need a Covid-19 booster programme?
A booster dose helps improve the protection you have from your first two doses of the vaccine.
Who’s eligible?
People over 50; people aged 16 and over with a health condition that puts them at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19; residents and staff in care homes; people over 16 who are a main carer for someone at high risk from Covid-19; people aged 16 and over who live with someone who is more likely to get infections; frontline health and social care workers. If you’re pregnant and in an eligible group, it’s fine for you to have the booster.
How soon after a second dose will a booster be offered?
No earlier than six months after your second dose. People with certain health conditions may be offered the Covid-19 booster earlier.
I’ve tested positive for Covid-19, can I still get a booster vaccine?
Yes, but you should wait 28 days, starting from the date you had the test.
Why do we need a flu vaccination?
The flu virus kills almost 11,000 people and hospitalises tens of thousands more in England in an average year. If you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill.
Who is eligible for an NHS flu vaccination?
Children at primary school; young people in secondary school years seven to 11; people who are clinically at risk and aged six months to under 50; those who are pregnant (any stage); people 50 years and over; long-stay residents in a care home; carers; close contacts of immunocompromised individuals; health and social care staff.
What’s the advice for pregnant women?
Pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. It’s safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.
Women who have had the flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.
What about children?
The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is offered every year to children between two and 17 years. They will be offered an injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them.
School age children will be offered the vaccine at school. Those who haven’t started school yet or who have a longterm health condition can receive the vaccine from their GP.
Will I get my Covid booster and flu vaccine at the same time and is that safe?
If you’re eligible for both vaccines, you are most likely to be offered them at separate appointments. However, studies show that getting both together is safe and effective.
To check your eligibility for the flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster vaccine or to find a service visit nhs.uk/ wintervaccinations