The flu vaccine injection is offered to those deemed as being most at risk of severe illness from flu. As was the case in 2021, some people may receive their Flu Vaccine at the same time they get their Autumn COVID-19 booster vaccine.

The following groups can get a free flu vaccine from the NHS:

The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is safe and effective. It’s offered every year to children to help protect them against flu.

The following groups can get a free flu nasal spray from the NHS:

While flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

Flu vaccines help protect against the main types of flu viruses. Although there’s still a chance you might get flu, if you do get flu after vaccination, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long. Having a flu vaccine may help stop you spreading flu to other people who could be more at risk of serious problems from flu.

As was the case in 2021, 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 and associated social distancing measures.

If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill. This is why Flu Vaccine and the Autumn Covid-19 Booster Vaccines are been offered to those deemed most at risk ahead of the winter season.

Residents in North Tyneside, who are eligible for a free flu vaccination will be invited by their GP. Alternatively you may prefer to get your flu vaccination at a local pharmacy instead.

All of the GP practices are inviting eligible adults to get their flu vaccine via their practice. Some GP practices are working together to offer flu vaccinations alongside the COVID-19 booster vaccines at centrally located hubs whilst some practices are doing both COVID and Flu vaccinations at their individual surgeries.

Children under primary school age will only be able to receive their flu vaccine via GPs or Primary Care Settings.

If getting your flu vaccine through your GP isn’t convenient or you’d prefer to go elsewhere, there are a number of community pharmacy sites in North Tyneside are also offering flu vaccines.

Pharmacies are unable to administer any children’s flu vaccines – these will be done through GPs and Primary Care settings.

Children of school age (aged between 4 and 16) will mostly receive their flu vaccine nasal spray at school. The School Immunisation Team will be visiting Primary and Secondary schools to offer the vaccination to young people who are eligible. Some young people may get their vaccination by the GP service, particular those already under ongoing medical care.