Flu Vaccination Eligibility
The autumn 2024 flu programme will 1st September for pregnant women and children aged 2 to 3 years, others will be eligible from 3rd October 2024.
Eligible for the free flu vaccination during autumn 2024 flu season are those:
- aged 65 years and over
- aged 6 months to under 65 years who have certain long term health conditions
- who are pregnant
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- who are in long-stay residential care
- who receive a carers allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- who are a close contact of, or who live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- who are frontline health and social care workers
Primary school and some secondary school aged children are also eligible, however these will be offered in schools.
Flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing 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 hepatitis
- neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
If you have a long-term health condition that would put you at risk if you get flu, but it is not included in this list; contact the practice to enquire whether you are eligible for the free flu vaccine.
COVID-19 Autumn Booster Vaccination Eligibility
Eligible for the COVID-19 booster vaccination during autumn 2024 are those:
- Aged 65 years and over
- Live in a care home for older adults
- Aged 6 months to under 65 in clinical risk group:
- Chronic respiratory disease (asthma, COPD, ILD, Bronchiectasis, CF)
- Heart Disease
- Vascular Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Neurological Disease
- Diabetes
- Endocrine Disorders
- Immunosuppressed
- Asplenia
- BMI 40 or greater