The 5 places you can get free flu jabs from today – check if you’re eligible
IF it’s likely you’ll experience complications from flu, it’s important you get jabbed.
It might sound like a harmless bug, but a nasty bout of flu can lead to serious complications and in some cases even death.
Here’s the lowdown on who’s eligible, how to book and where to go.
What is the flu jab and is it free?
From today (September 11) the flu vaccine will be offered free on the NHS to people with certain long-term health conditions.
While flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for people with certain illnesses.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading in the colder months
But you can get your vaccine later.
Am I eligible for a free flu jab?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by March 31 2024)
- are pregnant
- are children between the ages of two and three years old
- all primary school children
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- are a frontline health and social care worker
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
People who have the following conditions are also eligible:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a 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 cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
Your GP may suggest you have the free flu jab if you have another long-term condition that isn’t mentioned above but may be made worse by flu.
Where can I get it?
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at your local GP surgery, certain a pharmacies (if you’re over 18) and some maternity services if you’re pregnant.
Children will be given the nasal spray vaccine at school.
The following pharmacy chains offer free jab to eligible adults:
- Tesco pharmacy
- Boots
- Superdrug
- Well pharmacy
- Lloyds pharmacy
Head to the shop’s website to book your jab.
Thousands of other pharmacies will also be offering the lifesaving vaccine.
Find out if your local pharmacy is offering the service through this link. You will be asked to provide your postcode.
What are the symptoms of flu?
THEsymptoms of flu are very similar to those of a very bad cold.
The NHS says this includes a suffer high temperature of 38C or more.
You will also experience body aches and a dry cough.
You may also have difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite and feeling or being sick.