In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine this year include:
Flu and COVID-19
From 3 October flu and Covid-19 vaccinations will be available for eligible groups including:
- adults aged 65 and over
- residents in older adult care homes
- anyone who is pregnant
- those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years
- frontline health and social care workers.
Flu only
Flu vaccines are recommended for
- nursery school children aged 2-3
- school children from reception to Year 11
- close contact of anyone who is immunocompromised.
Flu vaccinations for school children, delivered by school immunisation teams, started in September to coincide with the new school year - to help stop the virus spreading.
2–3-year-olds can get the flu nasal spray at their GP practice and anyone who is pregnant has been able to get their vaccine from 1 September at their GP practice, pharmacy, or regular antenatal appointment.
- COVID-19 and flu are still with us and are still making people very ill.
- Those most vulnerable and at increased risk from COVID-19 and flu are eligible for a free seasonal vaccines for extra protection.
- This includes anyone over 65, residents in older adult care homes, anyone who is pregnant, those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years and frontline health and social care workers.
- Flu vaccines are recommended for nursery school children aged 2-3, school children from reception to Year 11 and close contacts of anyone who is immunocompromised.
- Flu vaccinations for school children, delivered by school immunisation teams, started in September to coincide with the new school year - to help stop the virus spreading.
- 2–3-year-olds can get the flu nasal spray at their GP practice and pregnant women have been able to get their vaccine from 1 September at their GP practice, pharmacy, or regular antenatal appointment.
- If you’re not sure if you are eligible you can find out more at nhs.uk (and for a full list of conditions and criteria, please see the immunosuppressed sections of Tables 3 and 4 of the UK Health Security Agency’s Green Book).
- If you are eligible, it is important to top up your protection even if you have had earlier vaccinations or have had the viruses, as your immunity fades over time.
- It can take 14 days for the vaccinations to take full effect, so everyone due a further dose is encouraged to get it as early as possible for maximum protection.
- You can have your COVID-19 vaccine if it's been at least three months since you had your previous dose.
Anyone eligible can book a flu and COVID-19 vaccination on the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online.
Local COVID-19 and flu vaccination contacts
Most people who are eligible for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations can book using any of the options available at www.nhs.uk. Some people may need additional support.
Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
Use this service to find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site at a pharmacy. If you’re eligible, you can get a COVID-19 vaccination without an appointment. Find out about getting a COVID-19 vaccine, including if you are eligible.
You can use this service if you live in England. You do not need to be registered with a GP.
Who can get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests
COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests are no longer free for most people. You may still be able to get free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow tests from the NHS if you:
- have a health condition which means you're eligible for COVID-19 treatment
- work in healthcare settings or in a hospice
Use this service to find a pharmacy that offers free COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kits. Link to a Pharmacy
Treatments for COVID-19
The NHS offers treatment to people with COVID-19 who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill.
Who can have COVID-19 treatment:
- You're eligible for a COVID-19 treatment assessment, without being admitted to hospital, if all the following apply:
- you're at highest risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19
- you're aged 12 or over
- you have symptoms of COVID-19
- you have tested positive for COVID-19
Stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy
If you have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T therapy, your specialist or GP may advise you that you need to be referred for re-vaccination against COVID-19 and/or flu. They must provide a completed patient specific direction form to advise on the best timing for your vaccination around planned treatment.
Contacting NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
For patients who are housebound, or newly severely immunosuppressed, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) can help you to arrange a vaccination appointment in your area if you cannot book in the usual way. If your specialist or GP practice has been unable to organise your vaccination for you, please contact your local NHS service using the contact details below.
Email: necsu.immunosuppressedney@nhs.net
Tel: (0191) 486 2001- Monday to Friday 9am till 4pm.
