Student urges people with a learning disability to protect themselves from flu this winter
A student from the North East is encouraging others with a learning disability to get their free flu vaccine and protect themselves from becoming seriously ill this winter.
Daniel gets his vaccine every year and wants others who are eligible to do the same.
He said: “I get my flu vaccine every year because it helps stop me from getting ill.
“It’s really easy, just a quick prod with a needle and then it’s done and it’s free if you are on the learning disability register, so I would really encourage other people to get theirs too.”
Flu is much more than a bad cold. It can make anyone seriously unwell, but people with a learning disability are at greater risk of developing complications such as pneumonia and breathing problems. In some cases, flu can be fatal.
Children and adults with a learning disability are eligible for a free flu vaccine through the NHS winter vaccination programme.
Ben Anderson, director of population health, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Daniel’s message is simple but important – getting your flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect yourself this winter.
“People with a learning disability can face greater health risks if they catch flu. The vaccine is safe, quick and can reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital treatment – and, most importantly, it can save lives.
“If you support someone with a learning disability, please discuss with them the benefits of the vaccine and arrange an appointment - you may also be eligible for a free flu vaccine if you are the main carer for someone with a learning disability."
The 2024 Learning from Lives and Deaths of People with a Learning Disability and Autistic People (LeDeR) report, published in July 2026, found that 39% of avoidable deaths among people with a learning disability were linked to respiratory conditions compared with 21.1% in the general population.
Mr Anderson added: “People can take a family member, friend or carer to their appointment and GP practices and pharmacies can also make reasonable adjustments to help them feel safe and comfortable while having their flu vaccination.
“This could include providing easy-read information, allowing more time for the appointment or arranging for the vaccination to be given somewhere quieter.
“If you or someone you care for is on the learning disability register, please speak to your GP practice or pharmacist to arrange a free vaccine.”
Dr Kathy Petersen, GP and ICB medical director, added: “Flu can be very serious, particularly for people with a learning disability, but the vaccine offers the best protection.
“By getting vaccinated, you are not only protecting your own health but also helping to protect your family, friends and the wider community too.”
Flu vaccinations are available from 1 September 2026 for:
- pregnant women
- children aged two or three on 31 August 2026
- schoolchildren from Reception to Year 11
- children aged from six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions.
Most other eligible people can receive their vaccine from 1 October 2026, including:
- people aged 65 and over
- adults with certain long-term health conditions, including people with a learning disability
- people living in long-stay residential care homes
- carers receiving Carer’s Allowance, or those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- close contacts of people with a weakened immune system
- frontline health and social care workers
- people aged 16 and over who are rough sleeping or using a homeless hostel or night shelter.
Eligible adults can book now through their GP practice, a participating community pharmacy, the NHS App or the NHS website.
Pregnant women can also receive the vaccine through their maternity service.
School-aged children will usually be offered it at school, while children aged two and three can receive it through their GP practice from 1 September or a participating pharmacy from 1 October.