The NHS offers several vaccinations to help keep patients protected as we enter flu season and the Autumn and Winter months. In this article, we highlight these vaccines, who they are available for, and their benefits.
COVID Booster
The latest COVID vaccine has been released. The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It’s offered on the NHS in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from COVID-19.
You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
Pneumonia Vaccine
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. A pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccination is recommended for babies under 2 years old, all adults aged 65 and over, and children and adults with certain long-term health conditions.
COPD patients should generally receive a pneumonia vaccine when they are first diagnosed with COPD, even if they are under 65. This should be followed by another dose around age 65 or older, with at least a five-year interval between doses. The specific type and number of doses will depend on individual risk factors and overall health. Your doctor can provide the most accurate and personalised advice.
Flu Vaccine
Flu is a virus that can make you unwell and is particularly contagious as we approach the year’s final months. Symptoms of flu include tiredness, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and a blocked nose.
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the primary carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
The flu vaccine helps to protect your body from catching the flu virus. It is an inactive vaccine and will not give you the flu itself. The vaccine is offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter. For more information about who is eligible for the free NHS flu vaccine, visit Flu vaccine – NHS.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in people who have previously had chickenpox.
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. It’s available on the NHS for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.
RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.
The vaccine is offered on the NHS if you’re pregnant, aged 75 to 79, or turned 80 after 1 September 2024.
If you would like any further information or advice regarding vaccinations and which vaccinations you should receive, please liaise with your GP, or Healthcare professional, or visit: Vaccinations – NHS
