Get Your Flu Vaccine
The flu is an illness that affects the respiratory system, including the nose, throat and lungs. It's caused by the influenza virus and it's very contagious.
It's in season from October through to March, and you can still catch it even if the weather's mild.
As we age, our immune system weakens meaning our body is less able to fight off illnesses. This happens even if we are fit and healthy.
The best way to protect yourself and others against the flu is with to get the flu vaccine. Antibiotics and other medication won’t help to prevent you from getting it.
There are different flu strains and so each year the vaccine is created to protect against the most prevalent strain. This is why you should get a new vaccine each year.
Don’t believe everything you see or hear – there are a lot of myths around the flu vaccine. Check the facts here
Who should get the flu vaccine?
The following groups can get a flu vaccine for free from their GP, Pharmacy, or other healthcare professional:
- you're aged 65 and over
- you live in residential care or another long-stay care facility
- you provide care for an older or disabled person
- you live in the same household as someone who is immunosuppressed
- you're under 65 and have certain health conditions. A full list can be found on the NHS website.
- you're pregnant
- Frontline health and social care workers