Flu Vaccinations 2020

Are you eligible for a free vaccine?  

This year, the NHS is offering more people than ever a free vaccine.  If you fall into one of these at–risk groups, then you will be eligible for a free vaccine: 

• adults 65 and over 

• people with certain medical conditions (including children in at-risk groups from 6 months of age) 

• pregnant women 

• people living with someone who is at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list) 

• children aged 2 and 3 years on 31 August 2020 

• children in primary school 

• children in year 7 (secondary school) 

• frontline health and social care workers 

Later in the year, the flu vaccine may be given to people aged 50 to 64. More information will be available later in the autumn. However, if you are aged 50 to 64 and in an at-risk group, you should not delay having your flu vaccine. 

You can find more information here  (www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine). 

On 12th October 2020, The Government released updated information on flu vaccines and supply for the national programme. If you have queries about the availability of the flu vaccine, you can read the full government publication here. 

You can also find additional information as to how people are being prioritised for flu vaccines here. 

If you are being asked to wait for your flu vaccination you find out more here 

If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, then your GP surgery should contact you to arrange this. 

Even if you are not eligible you may be able to get vaccinated at pharmacies for a fee – please check with your local pharmacy for further details. 

Why is the flu vaccination especially important this year? 

According to the NHS, getting the flu vaccination is important because: 

• if you're at higher risk from coronavirus, you're also more at risk of problems from flu 

• if you get flu and coronavirus at the same time, you may be more seriously ill 

• having the flu vaccine may help to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus 

Further resources: 

To access easy read resources on Flu Vaccinations, please visit the government website: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/flu-leaflet-for-people-with-learning-disability 

For more information on Adults Flu Vaccinations, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/ 

For more information on Children’s Flu Vaccinations, visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/ 

To find out more about flu vaccinations in West Sussex, click here.