Are you a carer? If so, you can now book your free flu vaccine
Make sure you have the best protection possible against the winter illnesses, which keep popping up in colder weather. It is a time when people are indoors more and closer together to ‘share’ germs.
Flu and Covid are the main vaccinations offered, but there are others which can reduce the risk of getting seriously ill.
Find more information about keeping well this winter HERE
Flu vaccination
The flu vaccine is offered every year on the NHS and is the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for from flu. The flu vaccine will help you to stay healthy and reduce the chance of you passing on any illness to them.
Eligibility for vaccination
You are eligible for a free flu vaccine if you:
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick, or receive a carer’s allowance
- are aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- have certain health conditions
Covid-19 booster vaccination
When having your flu vaccine, you may also be offered a free COVID-19 Booster vaccine if eligible.
Find out more about the flu vaccination and Covid-19 booster vaccination, and whether you are eligible on the NHS website.
Those at risk
Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. This includes:
- people aged 65 and older
- babies and children under the age of 5
- people on a low income (so cannot afford heating)
- people who have a long-term health condition
- people with a disability
- pregnant women
- people who have a mental health condition
Where to get vaccinated
If you are eligible for a flu vaccination you can:
- book a flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App (if you are aged 18 or over)
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you are aged 18 or over)
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
Some people may also be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home, or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.
Register as a carer at your GP surgery
Carers UK encourage all people with a caring responsibility for a loved one to register as a carer with your GP surgery. This will ensure that your eligibility for the flu vaccine is clearly recognised. This also allows your GP to provide you with useful support, advice and information.
Local health and wellbeing services
For more information about local health and wellbeing services, as well as what you can do to stay healthy and active, visit the Richmond Council Public Health webpages
Information leaflet
Download the NHS ‘Stay well this Winter’ leaflet, which provides information about staying safe in winter. Click on the image below or visit https://assets.nhs.uk/nhsuk-cms/documents/502660_NHS_HUHY_STAYWELL_12PP_LEAFLET_AW_7_a_Web.pdf.