Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available to those at greatest risk of serious illness this winter. If eligible you can get your free vaccine at your local pharmacy or from your GP practice.
The flu vaccine is offered free to people with certain long-term health conditions, including those with high blood pressure, respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and bronchitis; those with diabetes or heart conditions and liver disease.
Talk to your doctor if you have a long-term health condition that is not in one of these groups. They should offer you a flu vaccine if they think you're at risk of serious health problems this winter. If you are pregnant you are entitled to a free vaccine.
Those with learning difficulties, paid and unpaid carers and anyone who is pregnant are also eligible.
You can find out if you are eligible for a free vaccine at nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations
If eligible, you are encouraged to come forward as soon as you can, for the best possible protection. It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
The Leader of the Council, Cllr Baroness O’Neill of Bexley OBE, who recently had her flu vaccine at a local pharmacy in Bellegrove Road, Welling, said:
It’s important to get your vaccines and top up your protection as we head into winter. Not only are you protecting yourself and those closest to you against illness but by hindering the spread of the virus you are also helping to protect our local hospitals and our community.”
If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine you can pay for this at a local pharmacy. Find the nearest pharmacy to you in Bexley at Bexley walk-in clinics - NHS South East London (selondonics.org).
For more information on flu vaccinations visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/.
To find out more about winter Covid-19 vaccines go to the NHS website.