Flu & Covid-19 Booster vaccinations
THE FLU VACCINE
The seasonal flu vaccine protects against strains of flu virus. These strains are recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the strains most likely to be circulating each season.
The vaccine is available every year to adults and children at risk of flu and its complications. It is important to get a new vaccine every year because the strains of flu virus change.
It is recommended you get your flu vaccine during the Autumn, to be covered for flu season.
You can get a free flu vaccine if you are:
- 60 years or older
- 2 to 17 years
- a healthcare worker
- pregnant
- living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
- in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
- someone with a health condition that puts you at higher risk of flu
- living with someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
- a carer for someone who has a health condition that puts them at higher risk of flu
Appointments for the 2024/25 Flu vaccination programme have now opened. The Children’s Flu vaccination programme will also commence over the coming weeks as supplies of the nasal spray vaccines arrive into the pharmacies.
COVID-19 BOOSTER DOSES
The protection from previous doses or a COVID-19 infection may weaken over time. Booster doses help boost your antibodies and give you good protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you get COVID-19.
A first booster is recommended for all adults age 18 years and older. After this, seasonal boosters are recommended for some people.
How long to wait
Wait 6 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or COVID-19 infection.
For people who need protection sooner, you can get your booster 3 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine or infection.
COVID-19 Booster Campaign
We can provide a booster dose this Autumn/Winter if you are:
- aged 60 and older
- aged 12 to 59 years with a weak immune system
- aged 12 to 59 years with a condition that puts you at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19
- a healthcare worker
- pregnant – booster doses during pregnancy
If you’re age 18 to 59 and not in one of the groups above, you can still request a vaccine. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about your reasons for wanting a booster.
You will be offered an adapted Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as a booster dose. This is an mRNA vaccine.
Appointments for the Autumn Booster programme have now opened. You can get your COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time – for convenience, a combined Covid Booster & Flu vaccination appointment is available.
If there is no availability showing, please check back as we continue to open further dates or there are cancellations. Please also check our social media as we will provide updates on our Facebook & Instagram pages.
To secure your booking, please complete all fields on the online booking form. Note you will be asked to re-enter your details at the end of the booking process. An email or text will be sent to confirm your booking. If you do not receive a confirmation please contact your local branch so your appointment can be confirmed.