Flu vaccination is important because:

More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses

If you've had COVID-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

Am I eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?

We provide free NHS flu vaccinations to people subject to eligibility

NHS flu vaccinations in England for the 2022/23 flu season, the following groups can access a free NHS flu jab:

• People who are aged 6 months to 64 years and in a clinical risk group.
• Please note under 18s in this group cannot book a free NHS flu vaccine at Kepple Lane Pharmacy.  You should contact your GP to arrange an appointment for an NHS flu vaccination.
• 5- to 17-year-old can have a private vaccinations please contact the pharmacy to book this with a pharmacist.
• Pregnant women
• People aged 50 years and over*
• People in long-stay residential care homes
• Carers
• Close contacts of people who have a weakened immune system
• Front-line health or social care workers who do not have employer-led occupational health schemes and who are employed by: a registered residential care or nursing home; a registered domiciliary care provider; a voluntary managed hospice provider; or Direct Payment (personal budgets) or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants

*People aged between 50 and 64 years

NHS England has confirmed that people aged between 50 and 64 will be eligible for the free flu vaccine in the 2022/23 flu season, but only from 15 October onward. You can book an appointment now, but if you wish to have the vaccine administered before 15 October it can be done as a private service.