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FAQ's: Flu and COVID vaccines
I want to know more about the vaccines
If your GP practice is not vaccinating this winter you will be able to book online via the National Booking Service from the 18 September.
We will continue to add updates to this page so please pop back regularly.
The JCVI has advised that, for most people, it is fine to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. Where possible, we encourage you to get both vaccines in the same appointment to ensure you are protected against both viruses.
If this is not possible, we encourage you to get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than waiting to get both at the same time. If you receive both vaccines in one appointment but originally booked two, please do cancel the other appointment so that it becomes available for someone else.
No, the JCVI advises that the booster vaccine should be offered no earlier than three months after completion of the primary vaccine course.
There are several different COVID-19 vaccines in use in the UK. They have all met strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness. Most people can have any of the COVID-19 vaccines and will be offered a vaccine that gives protection from more than one type of COVID-19. You cannot choose which vaccine you have.
Some people are only offered certain vaccines, for example:
- if you’re pregnant
- if you’re under 18 years old
- if you’re 75 years old or over
- in very rare cases if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to one of the common vaccines you may be referred to a specialist clinic for an alternative COVID-19 vaccine
For adults, there are several types of flu vaccine depending upon your age.
- adults are offered an injectable vaccine. There are different types, including low-egg and egg-free ones
- adults aged 65 years and over – the most common flu vaccine contains an extra ingredient to help your immune system make a stronger response to the vaccine
Most children over the age of 2 are offered a nasal spray vaccine – this is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose. Those aged under 2 and a small number of children due to pre-existing medical conditions or treatments cannot have the nasal spray and are offered protection through an injected vaccine instead.
No, all COVID-19 vaccines authorised for use by the NHS are effective and provide a strong booster response. When you attend your appointment, the NHS will offer you a safe, effective vaccine.
This season’s flu and COVID-19 vaccinations were originally planned to start from early October to maximise protection for patients right across the coldest winter months. This date has been brought forward to September, earlier than originally planned, to help protect those most at risk given to the new risk presented by the BA.2.86 variant.
We are bringing forwards both flu and COVID-19 vaccines as, if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, the symptoms are likely to be more serious. We will be working to ensure as many eligible people as possible are vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 as quickly as possible.
Only children aged 6 months to 4 years old who are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 can currently get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Since the end of the spring 2023 COVID-19 campaign, the primary course of COVID-19 vaccine became a targeted offer to those at higher risk and only during seasonal campaigns. This means during this autumn winter programme, those eligible for the primary course COVID-19 vaccination will be the same as those eligible for the seasonal vaccine.
The main exception to this would be unvaccinated individuals aged five years and above who become or have recently become severely immunosuppressed. These individuals should be considered for primary vaccination, regardless of the time of year. Clinical judgement should be used to decide on the best timing to commence vaccination.
If you are unwell, wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine. You should not attend an appointment if you have a fever or think you might be infectious to others.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccines have good safety records and are an effective way to protect yourself from the flu and COVID-19 viruses.
While flu and COVID-19 can be unpleasant, for some it can be very dangerous and even life threatening, particularly people with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. For them, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still get very ill or die from COVID-19.
Children aged under 5 have one of the highest hospitalisation rates for flu. Last year over 6,000 under 5s in England were hospitalised by flu, and many more needed care in accident and emergency. The vaccine reduces a child’s chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds.
Having your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will reduce your risk of serious illness and help you recover more quickly if you catch the viruses. Getting the vaccines while pregnant helps to protect you and your baby from complications if you catch these viruses. The vaccines have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives and they give you better protection than any immunity gained from previous infections. They also help protect your family and other people in your community, by helping to stop diseases spreading.
In winter, flu and COVID-19 spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. Getting these vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe and ‘get winter strong’. It is important to get your vaccines as soon as you can due to the risk of the BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant.
Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter as we spend more time indoors. Catching both viruses over winter increases the risk of serious illness even further. It is therefore important that you get vaccinated ahead of winter as soon as possible, to give yourself the best possible protection ahead of winter, particularly in light of the risk of the new BA.2.86 COVID-19 variant.
The NHS is offering the flu vaccine to children from September to protect them and help prevent the spread of the virus. This is because children are more likely to pass this onto others including elderly or vulnerable relatives.
Eligible adults will be able to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from 18 September but some people may be offered a vaccination sooner by GP practices and other local NHS services. Care homes and those that are housebound are being offered the vaccine from 11 September.
GP practices and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches to make sure that it is widely available. If you are eligible and cannot get an appointment, ask if you can book an appointment for when more vaccines are available.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccine programmes aim to reduce the number of people that get seriously ill and reduce the spread of the viruses. The government decide which groups will be eligible for free vaccines on the NHS. Their decision is based on the independent advice of clinical experts in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) who review the latest clinical evidence and data.
Vaccines teach your immune system how to create antibodies that protect you from diseases. It’s usually much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and treating them. Once your immune system knows how to fight a disease, it can often protect you.
Eligibility and how to book
Those who can get both vaccines through the NHS will include everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, people with certain health conditions, frontline health and care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.
The flu vaccine is offered to anyone with a serious health condition, including:
- respiratory conditions, ie asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
- diabetes
- heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a BMI of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- neurological conditions, ie Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen, eg sickle cell
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions ie HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy
A full list of clinical risk groups is included in Chapter 19 of the Green Book. If you have a condition that is not included in the list, you can speak to your GP who can offer a flu vaccine if they think you are at risk of serious complications from catching flu.
The COVID-19 vaccine is offered to those with a serious health condition. Those that can get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a health condition are broadly similar to those that can get a flu vaccine including:
- respiratory conditions, ie poorly controlled asthma, chronic pulmonary disease, including emphysema and bronchitis, cystic fibrosis
- diabetes
- heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a BMI of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- neurological conditions, ie Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- those with a severe mental illness
- problems with your spleen, eg sickle cell
- a weakened immune system as the result of conditions ie HIV and AIDs or taking steroids or chemotherapy
A full list of clinical risk groups is included in tables 3 and 4 in Chapter 14a of the Green Book.
You may be invited to get your winter vaccines by the NHS nationally or by your GP practice through a letter, text or email. If you receive an invitation from the NHS and have already been vaccinated this season, do not worry, sometimes there is a delay in the information flowing through and you do not need to do anything.
This depends where you book your appointment but adults can get their flu vaccine through their GP practices or a community pharmacy. Pregnant women can also get their flu vaccine through their maternity service. Eligible children under 5 will get their flu vaccine through their GP and school age children will be offered their flu vaccine through their school age vaccination services so will either get the vaccine in school or at a community clinic.
People will be able to have their COVID-19 vaccination in a community pharmacy, vaccination centre or they may be invited by their GP practice.
Eligible people can choose to book an appointment to have both their flu and COVID-19 vaccines together in one appointment by booking through the NHS website.
Residents in care homes will be offered their vaccines in their care home.
Health and social care staff will be offered their vaccines through their employer.
Winter vaccines in children
The flu vaccine is offered to most children including all aged 2 and 3 years old, school aged children from reception to year 11 and those aged 6 months to 17 years old with certain health conditions.
Children aged 5 years and over with certain health conditions, those aged 12 and over that are household contacts of people with immunosuppression and carers aged 16 and over will be able to get the seasonal COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 6 months to 4 years are managed at a local level. Children under 12 years old will be given smaller doses than older children and adults.
If your child is eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to book this online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or via the NHS App.
If your child is aged 2 or 3 years old or if they are aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions you can book a flu vaccination appointment at their GP practice.
If your child is of school age, you do not need to book an appointment for them to get a flu vaccination. They will be vaccinated in schools or community clinics through the school aged immunisation service. Parents should wait to be invited and complete the necessary consent documentation accordingly. If your child is in a clinical risk group please contact your GP if you would like your child to receive the flu vaccine earlier in the season.
Your child will receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a local vaccination centre or community pharmacy.
For the flu vaccine:
2 or 3 years old | GP practice |
6 months to 17 years in clinical risk group | GP practice (or can receive in school/community clinic if school-aged) |
School aged children in reception to year 11 | School or community clinic |
- Most children over the age of 2 are offered a nasal spray vaccine – this is given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.
- A small number cannot have it due to pre-existing medical conditions or treatments and are offered protection through an injected vaccine instead.
- The nasal spray contains small traces of porcine gelatine. For those who may not accept the use of porcine gelatine in medicines, an injectable vaccine is available. If your child is aged between 6 months and 2 years old and is in a clinical risk group for flu, they will be offered an injected flu vaccine as the nasal spray is not licensed for children under the age of 2.
Some children will be offered the injected flu vaccine if they have:
- a severely weakened immune system
- asthma that’s being treated with steroid tablets or has needed intensive care in hospital
- a flare-up of asthma symptoms (such as they’ve been wheezy in the past 72 hours or are currently wheezy) and need to use a reliever inhaler more than usual
- had an allergic reaction to a flu vaccine in the past
- a condition that needs salicylate treatment
Children will also be offered the injected flu vaccine if they live with somebody with a severely weakened immune system who requires isolation (for example, someone who has had a bone marrow transplant).
If you’re not sure, check with the school aged immunisation service team, the nurse or GP at your practice, or the specialist if your child has hospital care.
The nasal spray vaccine contains small traces of pork gelatine. If you do not accept the use of pork gelatine in medical products, the injected vaccine is available as an alternative.
a condition that needs salicylate treatment
Winter vaccines in pregnancy
If you’re pregnant you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu and COVID-19.
There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.
If you have flu or COVID-19 while you’re pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, it increases the need for admission to intensive care for mum and baby and may even lead to stillbirth or death. If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, the symptoms are likely to be more serious.
Getting your winter vaccines is the safest and most effective way for women to protect themselves and their baby against flu and COVID-19 and it also reduces the risk of having a stillbirth. The antibodies your body produces in response to the vaccine can also give your baby protection against flu and COVID-19 which lasts for the first few months of their lives.
It’s safe to have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. It’s also safe for women who are breastfeeding to have the vaccines. There’s no evidence flu and COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of having a miscarriage, pre-term birth or other complications in your pregnancy. It’s strongly recommended that you get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 ahead of winter to protect you and your baby.
It’s safe to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. You may be offered them at the same time or you may be offered, or to decide to have them, separately. Where possible, we encourage you to get both vaccines in the same appointment to save you time and ensure you are protected against both viruses. If this is not possible, we encourage you to get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than waiting to get both at the same time. If you receive both vaccines in one appointment but originally booked two, please do cancel the other appointment so that it becomes available for someone else.
Can I have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time as the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine?
Yes, you can have the vaccines at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine (pertussis vaccine), but do not delay your winter vaccines so you can have all of the vaccines at the same time. Pregnant women are at risk of severe illness from flu and COVID-19 at any stage of pregnancy, so you need to have the vaccines as soon as possible. The best time to get vaccinated against whooping cough is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy. If you miss having the vaccine for any reason, you can still have it up until you go into labour.
You can book the flu and COVID-19 vaccines from 18 September. The COVID-19 vaccine is available up until 15 December, but there may be opportunities to have the vaccine after this date, but we would encourage you to book during this time if possible. The flu vaccine is available up until the end of March if you find out that you are pregnant later in the flu season.
From 18 September, you can book the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
For the COVID-19 vaccine, you can book this online at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination (where, from October, you may be asked if you want a flu vaccination at the same appointment) or via the NHS App.
For the flu vaccine, you can book to get your vaccine at your GP practice or community pharmacy. You can find your nearest pharmacy offering the vaccine at www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy. In some areas, midwives can give the flu vaccine at the antenatal clinic. It’s a good idea to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available. Do not worry if you find that you’re pregnant later in the flu season – you can have the vaccine up until March if you have not already had it.
Winter vaccines in frontline health and social care workers
To maintain a high level of protection through the coming winter, frontline healthcare workers will be offered the flu vaccine and a COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and those in their care who are most at risk.
For some, flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant illnesses. But for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, they can be very dangerous and even life threatening. Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still get very ill or die from COVID-19. Catching both viruses increases the risk of serious illness even further.
As a healthcare worker, you’re more likely to be exposed to the viruses. You will also be caring for people who may be at greater risk from these viruses. Being healthy doesn’t reduce your risk of getting these viruses or passing them on. You can have flu and COVID-19 without any symptoms and pass it on to family, friends, colleagues and patients, many of whom may be at increased risk of serious illness if they get these viruses.
Vaccines are our best protection against flu and COVID-19. Over the last few years they have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives. Getting your vaccines is straight forward and while some people may experience some mild short lived side effects, they will keep you protected and if you do run into these viruses, your symptoms are likely to be milder and you may recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.
Getting both vaccines ahead of winter, when the viruses spread more easily, are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe, so you can continue to be there for the people you care for.
The seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from early October. We encourage you to get both vaccines in the same visit where possible, for protection against both viruses in just a few minutes. If this is not possible, it is better to get each vaccine as soon as you can, rather than waiting.
The flu vaccine should be provided to frontline health and social care workers by their employer as part of the organisation’s policy to prevent the transmission of infection. Employers may offer the flu vaccine to staff at their place of work or from another local service. Your employer will provide more information on how to get your flu vaccine.
Social care workers who are in direct contact with people who receive care should also have the flu vaccine provided by their employer. If your employer is not able to offer the flu vaccine, you can get this through a complementary NHS scheme. This scheme applies to specific frontline workers in a social care setting including registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that receive direct payments or personal health budgets.
Through the complementary NHS scheme, you can book your vaccine through your GP practice, local pharmacy or the flu national booking system. You do not need to present your ID but if you ask your employer to provide you with a letter identifying you as a social care professional it may make things easier on the day.
You may be offered your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, or separately. If you are offered either vaccine, get them as soon as possible.
The COVID-19 vaccine may be offered through your employer or you can book the COVID-19 vaccine through the National Booking Service or by calling 119. Some areas will also offer local walk-in vaccinations. All eligible frontline staff will continue to be able to self-declare online, on the NHS App or through 119.
You may be offered your flu vaccine at the same time, or separately. If you are offered either vaccine, get them as soon as possible.
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 flu and COVID-19 viruses change each year. The vaccines give you additional protection to that gained from previous infections and gives you good protection from being seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch flu or COVID-19.
Covid-19 vaccine: children
age 6 months to 4 years
Children aged between 6 months and 4 years, who have certain medical conditions which mean they are at increased risk from COVID-19, will be offered two vaccinations, at least 8 weeks apart.
If your child is not at increased risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19, they are not eligible for these vaccinations.
Yes, you will need to complete a referral form. You can complete this here: Parents referral form
Email the completed referral form to: covidvacs.hotm@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
A member of the vaccination team will be in contact to discuss and make an appointment into a vaccination clinic.
In line with JCVI advice, infants and children under 5 will be offered an infant dose (one-tenth of the adult dose).
The initial course is 2 doses, at least 8 weeks apart. Children with very severely weakened immune systems may need an extra (third) dose from 8 weeks after their second dose.
Your child may also need a booster during seasonal campaigns and catch up on any missed doses.
While for most young children, COVID-19 is mild, the JCVI has advised that children with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
They can become very unwell and may need to go to hospital if they get the infection. These children should therefore be offered vaccination to help protect them from COVID-19.
GPs will contact parents of eligible children to advise of the opportunity for vaccination and let them know how they can refer their child. If your GP has not yet been in touch you can self-refer using the form on the Stay Well website
If your child has COVID-19, or you think they might, please wait until they’ve recovered before getting them vaccinated. You should also wait if your child has a fever or seems particularly unwell with any illness.
If they have recently recovered from an illness, there is no need to delay vaccination.
If your child is at increased risk and turned 5 years old on or after 1 June 2023, they will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not had any doses. If your child is at increased risk and turned 5 years old before 1 June 2023, or if they have already had a dose, in most cases, they will have to wait until the autumn to get their next dose
Newly diagnosed immunosuppressed
Newly diagnosed immunosuppressed
Most people who need a Covid-19 jab during the summer due to being newly diagnosed as immunosuppressed will be identified by their hospital specialist team. They will refer you to the local vaccination hub (usually a hospital) and advise on the best timing around planned treatment. Patients should speak to their specialist for more information.
Alternatively, if advice is not available from the hospital specialist team, newly immunosuppressed patients should ask their GP for a referral. The GP will assess them and refer them to their local hospital-based vaccination hub if appropriate.
Your specialist will assess whether you need an additional vaccine. They will make a referral and advise on the best timing for vaccination around your planned treatment.
Speak to your specialist for more information.
You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine in autumn 2023 if you’re at increased risk from COVID-19, for example due to a health condition or your age.
The NHS will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.
Some people are at increased risk from COVID-19, for example due to a health condition or their age. More information is available online here.
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