Flu vaccination

Don't forget to have your annual flu vaccination

Residents who are most vulnerable to flu are encouraged to have their free NHS flu vaccination each year, not only to help protect themselves, but also those around them. The annual one-off vaccination changes every year to fight the latest strains of flu, so even if you had one last year, you’ll need another one this year to ensure you’re flu safe. It’s quick and easy to do at your GP practice or local participating pharmacy.

Eligible groups

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

aged 65 and over (including those who are 64 but will be 65 on or before 31 March 2025)
have certain health conditions
are pregnant
are in long-stay residential care
receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

For more information about eligibility visit the NHS website

Children

The nasal spray flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:

children aged 2 or 3 years
school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

For more information about the child's flu vaccine visit the NHS website

Community pharmacies

A number of pharmacies in Herefordshire offer the free NHS vaccine frontline health and social care staff. Please remember to check with them in advance, before you visit.

Find your nearest community pharmacy on the NHS website.

Pay for your own flu vaccination

If you're not in any of the above mentioned eligible groups, you can still have a flu vaccination and pay for it yourself. There are a number of community pharmacies within the county which provide this private service, which costs approximately £10 to £15, depending on the pharmacy.

Find your nearest participating pharmacy on the NHS website.

Did you know....Up to 77% of people with flu have no symptoms, so you could be spreading the disease to your family, friends and colleagues without even knowing it!