Millions of children and pregnant women are being urged to come forward for a free flu jab as the NHS launches this year’s vaccination campaign. The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people being hospitalised in England last winter.
However, more than 300,000 hospital bed days were still taken up by patients who caught the virus — almost double the previous winter’s figure of 175,062. Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “The threat from getting seriously ill from flu and Covid-19 is all too real and each year we see hundreds of thousands of people hospitalised due to these nasty viruses – especially across the winter months.
“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving so I would urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their jabs as soon possible, to help protect themselves and loved ones.”
Most people who are eligible for a free NHS flu jab can get it from October 1. Some people, including pregnant women, can get it now.
The NHS national booking system has opened for all eligible people to book appointments for when the rollout reaches their group.
Here’s a full list of everyone who can get a flu vaccine and when:
