Flu vaccination

Flu can be serious, especially for older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Free flu vaccinations are available to people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent every year for those most at risk. Getting your flu jab is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness.

Who can get the flu vaccine?

Each year, the NHS invites people who are most at risk to get the flu vaccine.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• are aged 65 and over
• are pregnant
• are aged two or three
• are a school-age child (via school programmes)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• are a frontline health or social care worker.

You can find the full list of eligible groups and more details about how to get your jab on the NHS flu vaccine webpage.

When and where to get vaccinated

Flu vaccinations are usually offered in the autumn and early winter. You can get your jab at:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccinations
• community clinics across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine and are aged 18 years or over, you can book a flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App now. You can also book a vaccination appointment for a child aged 2 or 3 years.

Why flu vaccination matters

Flu spreads easily and can lead to complications like pneumonia or hospitalisation. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to reduce the spread of the virus in your community.

In this video, Dr Tania Cork, Chief Operating Officer for Community Pharmacies in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, reveals her flu misery experience because she was too busy to get vaccinated.

Why you need a flu jab every year

The flu virus changes constantly. Each year, scientists develop a new vaccine to match the most common strains expected to circulate. That’s why last year’s jab won’t protect you this year. It’s important to get vaccinated annually to stay protected.