For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services. The flu vaccine is free. There are several types of flu vaccine. You will be offered one that is most appropriate for you. Most children are offered the vaccine as a nasal spray and adults are offered an injectable vaccine. None of the vaccines can give you flu. Thanks to the success of our vaccine programme, we have built strong, broad immune defences against new variants throughout the population. However, some people remain more vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19. This precautionary measure to bring forward the autumn programme will ensure these people have protection against any potential wave this winter. have a condition, or are on treatment, that severely weakens their immune system or have someone in their household who needs isolation because they are severely immunosuppressed (such as bone marrow transplant)

Even if the vaccine is not a perfect match it will usually offer some protection. Major mismatches do not happen very often. What you need to do help protect their baby who will continue to have some immunity to flu during the first few months of its life

The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative. 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. Pregnancy alters how the body handles infections such as flu. Flu infection increases the chances of pregnant women and their babies needing intensive care. 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:

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.carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

If you have a child over 6 months of age who has one of the long-term health conditions listed above, they should have a flu vaccination. Any children with these conditions are more likely to become severely ill if they catch flu, and it could make their existing condition worse. Talk to your GP about your child having the flu vaccination before the flu season starts. everyone under 65 years of age who has a medical condition listed below, including children and babies over 6 months of age Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu virus circulating. Summary of those recommended to have a flu vaccineOrganisations 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. Speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively your local pharmacist, to book a vaccination appointment. reduce their risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy