carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person All pregnant women should have a flu vaccine to protect themselves and their babies. Flu vaccine can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy, from conception onwards.

You should consider having the vaccine if you have any long-term health condition listed above, or you are: But it is important that those eligible this year come forward for their vaccinations as protection fades over time, and the virus that causes flu can change from year to year.Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England Medical Director, said: “Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and COVID-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter, and with the potential for this new covid variant to increase the risk of infection, we are following the latest expert guidance and bringing the covid vaccination programme forward, with people able to get their flu vaccine at the same time to maximise protection. Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu virus circulating. Summary of those recommended to have a flu vaccine Last year, the NHS carried out its second biggest ever flu vaccination campaign, with more than 21 million flu vaccinations given to adults and children, while more than 17 million COVID-19 jabs were delivered last winter. As part of this, 10 million flu vaccinations and 8 million covid-19 vaccinations were in the month of October, making it by far the most popular month. But the best way to avoid catching and spreading flu is by having the vaccination before the flu season starts. How we protect against flu

For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services. The flu vaccine is free. Organisations wishing to protect their employees against flu (unless they are at risk) will need to make arrangements for the vaccinations to be given through their occupational health departments. These vaccinations are not available on the NHS and will have to be paid for by the employer. People sometimes think a bad cold is flu, but having flu can often be much worse than a cold and you may need to stay in bed for a few days. In the worst cases, flu can result in a stay in hospital, or even death. This guide explains how you can help protect yourself and your children against flu this coming winter, and why it’s very important that people who are at increased risk from flu have their free vaccination every year. Introduction

Speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist, to book a vaccination appointment.

have needed intensive care due to asthma or egg allergic anaphylaxis (children in these 2 groups are recommended to seek the advice of their specialist and may be advised to have the nasal vaccine in hospital) There will be no change to flu vaccinations for children which will be offered in schools from early next month, to prevent children from getting seriously ill from flu and ending up hospital, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population. The vaccine should provide protection throughout the current flu season. Being vaccinated after having flu For advice and information about flu vaccination, speak to your GP, practice nurse, pharmacist or school immunisation team.reduce their risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy There is limited information available at present on BA.2.86 so the potential impact of this particular variant is difficult to estimate. As with all emergent and circulating COVID-19 variants – both in the UK and internationally – we will continue to monitor BA.2.86 and to advise government and the public as we learn more. In the meantime, please come forward for the vaccine when you are called.”

If you have flu symptoms you should talk to your doctor urgently, because if you do have flu there is a prescribed medicine that might help (or reduce the risk of complications), but it needs to be taken as soon as possible after the symptoms appear. You should have the free flu vaccine if you are pregnant, seriously overweight ( BMI of 40 and above) or have a long-term condition, such as: If you are a frontline health or social care worker, find out what arrangements have been made at your workplace for providing flu vaccination. It’s important that you get protected. Some social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme can get the vaccine through the NHS from their GP or a pharmacy.The adult covid and flu vaccination programmes had been due to start in October to maximise protection over the winter months, but now those most at risk including adult care home residents will be vaccinated from 11 September. help protect their baby who will continue to have some immunity to flu during the first few months of its life You can get the free flu vaccine from your GP, or it may also be available from your pharmacist or midwife. Children and the flu vaccination Millions of eligible people will now be offered a covid vaccine from 11 September, in line with the latest expert guidance on the new covid variant.