Coronavirus and Flu guidance and support

For the most up to date guidance on the COVID-19 vaccination, including who can get it, safety, and side effects, visit the NHS website.

Who can get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine?

You may be eligible if you are:

  • aged 65 years and over (by 31 March 2024)
  • aged 6 months to 64 years and at increased risk due to a health condition or medical treatment 
  • a frontline health or social care worker
  • aged 12 to 64 years and live with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • aged 16 to 64 years and a paid or unpaid carer
  • residents and staff in care homes and some people who require a home visit may be vaccinated sooner.
  • children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 can currently get a COVID-19 vaccine

Find out if you're eligible and book now

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine

If you're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you can:

If you're eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, you can get it at:

  • Aspire Pharmacy (5+), Sidcup, DA14 6EQ
  • Belvedere Pharmacy (5+), Belvedere, DA17 5QQ
  • Broadway Pharmacy (5+), Bexleyheath, DA6 7BN
  • Mistvale chemist (18+), Welling, DA16 1TJ
  • Station Road Pharmacy (16+),  Crayford, DA1 3QA

Flu vaccine

Influenza (Flu) is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause serious illness and death. It can be more serious for younger children and older people.

Children have been prioritised to get the flu vaccine from September 2023 to protect them and help stop the virus spreading to others. This is particularly important as children mix with adults who may be vulnerable.

In most cases the vaccine is given to children through a nasal spray but there are some circumstances where an injection is given.

Adults who are eligible for the vaccine will be given the vaccine through an injection.

Who should have the flu vaccine (Children)

The flu vaccine is free on the NHS for:

  • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023  
  • school children from Reception to Year 11  
  • children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions  
  • children aged between 6 months and 2 years who has a long-term health condition; they will also be offered the flu vaccine

Where to have the flu vaccine

  • Children between 6 months and 2 years with a long-term condition will have the flu vaccine at their GP surgery
  • Anyone over 2 who has not yet started primary school will have the flu vaccine at their GP surgery
  • All children at primary and secondary school can be vaccinated at school
  • Eligible children of any age with a long-term health condition can be vaccinated at school or at their GP practice
  • Eligible children who are home – schooled or not in mainstream education will be invited to a community clinic
  • You can get vaccinated at your local pharmacy

Which vaccination should my child have?

The flu vaccination is the best way of protecting your children against the serious effects of flu. There are two ways children are vaccinated either through a nasal spray or an injection. The method will depend on the age of the child.

Find out more on children’s flu vaccine

When can adults get the flu vaccine?

If you're eligible for the flu vaccine, the NHS will let you know when you can get it. Please wait to be invited.

Who can have the free flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

When to get the flu vaccine

If you're eligible for the free flu vaccine, the NHS will let you know when you can get it. Please wait to be invited.

What happens if I am not eligible for the free NHS Flu vaccine?

If you are not eligible, you can speak to your local pharmacy who will discuss this with you, and they may offer you a vaccine. There is a charge for this service.

NHS England has decided to advance the programme to start on 11 September 2023. This prioritises those in high-risk categories such as care home residents and staff, and individuals who are housebound. Local services will be reaching out to the highest-risk groups, including immunosuppressed.

Residents and staff in care homes and some people who require a home visit may be vaccinated sooner.