Getting winter vaccinations
The risk of illnesses, like flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) significantly increase during the colder months and winter.
Vaccines are the best protection against these viruses.
For more information on the importance of winter vaccinations, watch Let’s talk about winter vaccinations (YouTube).
COVID-19 vaccine
Having a vaccine greatly reduces your chances of being admitted to hospital if you get COVID-19.
Who is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk from COVID-19. You may be offered a vaccine by your GP if you are:
- aged 65 or over
- pregnant
- aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment
- living in a care home for older adults
How to get your COVID-19 vaccine
If you are eligible, you may be contacted by your local NHS service to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. You can also book it yourself.
Book online
Visit Book, change or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS.
Book by phone
Book over the phone by calling 119 free of charge. You can speak to a translator if needed.
Find a walk-in
You might be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine without making an appointment.
To find a pharmacy delivering the COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site.
Flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Anyone can get the flu vaccine, but some people can get it for free.
Who is eligible to get the free flu vaccine
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are aged 2 to 17, or 6 months up to 17 years old with certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
How to get your flu vaccine
If you are eligible you can book a flu vaccine in different ways.
Book online
Visit Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy – NHS.
You can also book a flu vaccine through the NHS app.
Find a walk-in
You can get a flu vaccine through your doctor’s surgery or through local pharmacies. Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination near you.
Children from reception to year 11 will be offered vaccinations at school. If your child missed their school session, find catch-up clinic details on the Vaccination UK website. Children aged 2 to 3 years can receive their vaccination from their GP.
RSV vaccine
On 1 September 2024, the new RSV programme was introduced for older adults and pregnant women.
The vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a leading cause of bronchiolitis (severe chest infection) in older adults and infants. Giving the vaccine to pregnant women helps to protect newborns from birth.
Although the RSV vaccine is available year-round, getting vaccinated in winter will help prevent severe disease and hospitalisation.
Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine
The vaccine is available through the GP or maternity services for people who are:
- turning 75
- already aged 75-79 on 1 September 2024
- pregnant women from 28 weeks
How to get your RSV vaccine
You can get your vaccine through your GP or maternity services.
For more information, visit RSV vaccine – NHS.