Immunisations

Some people will need additional immunisations as they are at increased risk due to their age or a health condition or to protect their health in work or if travelling.

A reminder - always check that you are registered with a local GP practice and that you have given them your most up to date address and telephone number. This will help you to get protected as soon as the vaccination and appointments become available. The sooner you are vaccinated the sooner you will be protected.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination for older adults

RSV infections can occur all year round, but cases rise in autumn and winter. You can help protect yourself against serious illness from RSV by having the RSV vaccination when it is offered to you. The RSV vaccine won’t be given with the COVID-19 or flu vaccinations.

Influenza (flu)

The rollout of the Autumn/Winter 2024-25 influenza (flu) and covid-19 booster will start in October 2024. For those at an increased risk to complications of influenza, the annual flu vaccine is recommended. It’s recommended that you get you flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available and is offered to you. If you are already feeling unwell or have a fever, then it’s recommended that you delay getting your vaccination until you are feeling well again. Seek advice from a health professional.

Who should expect to be invited for a flu vaccination

• Children aged two and three years on 31 August 2024 
• Children in primary school from reception class to year six (inclusive)  
  Children in secondary school from year seven to year 11 (inclusive)   
• People aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk groups   
• People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2024)   
• Pregnant women  
• Carers aged 16 and over 
• People aged six months to 65 years who live with someone who has a weakened immune system   
• People with a learning disability  
• Frontline health and social care workers  
• All staff working in care homes with regular client contact.

If any of the categories listed above do not relate to you, then you will not be invited to get vaccinated. You can still ask at a community pharmacy for a flu vaccination, though you will be expected to pay a small charge for the vaccination.

Who should expect to be invited for the Covid -19 booster

• People aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition (which includes pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system)
• Residents in a care home for older adults
• People aged 65 years and older (age on 31 March 2025)
• Unpaid carers
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Staff working in care homes for older adults.

The roll out of the COVID-19 vaccination for eligible groups will start in October.

Community Pharmacy

Talk to your community pharmacist about which vaccines are recommended for you. Vaccines can help protect you, and others, from a long illness and time spent in hospital.