Flu vaccines: one small jab to protect against flu

Flu is more than a bad cold. It can leave you ill for days and can sometimes lead to serious illness, hospital treatment or even death.

Flu can hit harder if you already have a health problem.

That’s why the NHS offers free flu vaccines to people over 65 and also to people under 65 at risk of becoming seriously ill.

This year, The Grove will be offering a limited number of flu vaccinations. Priority will be given to our most vulnerable patients, including care home residents and housebound patients.

We will also be holding a limited number of clinics for patients aged 65 and over. If you are in this age group, we will contact those patients we feel are most vulnerable and invite them to attend.

For patients under 65 who are eligible for a flu vaccination, there will be a limited number of off-site clinics available. If you are eligible, you may receive an invitation to attend one of these clinics.

For children aged 2–3 years and children under 18 who are in an eligible at-risk group, we will offer an appointment at one of our child flu clinics. School-aged children are offered their flu vaccination through the school vaccination programme.

Flu vaccinations are also available at many local pharmacies. We would encourage eligible patients to contact their local pharmacy to arrange a vaccination.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for helping us to prioritise those patients who are most vulnerable this flu season.

💉 Why getting the flu vaccine is important

The flu vaccine helps your body recognise flu and fight it off.

Flu viruses change each year, and protection fades over time. That’s why you need a new flu vaccine every year.

The vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t catch flu. But it can reduce your risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.

🤒 “I’ve had flu before and been fine”

You may have had flu before without becoming seriously ill. But there is no way to know how badly another infection will affect you.

The flu vaccine does not guarantee that you will not catch flu. It lowers your risk of becoming seriously ill or needing hospital treatment.

It can also help protect the people around you by making it less likely that you will pass flu on.

You may have been fine last time. The next time could be different. A small jab can help protect you.

👥 Who is offered the vaccine?

The NHS offers free flu vaccines to people at higher risk from flu. This includes people under 65 with conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and some neurological conditions.

The NHS also offers flu vaccines to other groups, including older people, pregnant women, babies and young children.

A jab is your best protection against flu. Don’t let flu knock you out.

For more information about flu and the other vaccines offered this autumn, see our seasonal vaccine guide.