Flu & Pneumonia Vaccinations (Seasonal)

We provide regular vaccines for Flu and Pneumonia to certain eligible groups of patients who are considered most at risk on the NHS

Who can have the flu vaccine?

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

• are 50 and over

• 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

Who should have the nasal spray flu vaccine

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

• children aged 2 or 3

• all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)

• some secondary school aged children

• children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions

If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years and has a long-term health condition that makes them at higher risk from flu, they’ll be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.

Who should have the pneumococcal vaccine

Anyone can get a pneumococcal infection. But some people are at higher risk of serious illness, so it’s recommended they’re given the pneumococcal vaccination on the NHS.

These include:

• babies

• adults aged 65 or over

• children and adults with certain long-term health conditions, such as a serious heart or kidney condition

Babies are offered 2 doses of pneumococcal vaccine, at 12 weeks and at 1 year of age.

People aged 65 and over only need a single pneumococcal vaccination. This vaccine is not given annually like the flu jab.

If you have a long-term health condition you may only need a single, one-off pneumococcal vaccination, or a vaccination every 5 years, depending on your underlying health problem.

The district nurses will conduct home visits to vaccinate patients in nursing homes or those who are registered as housebound.