Vaccinations for people aged 65 and over this winter
This autumn and winter the NHS is offering vaccinations to people who are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
They are available from autumn to help you get protected ahead of the colder months, but will also be available throughout winter.
All NHS vaccines have been rigorously tested and are given free of charge.
Make sure you are fully vaccinated to help you stay well this winter.
What vaccines can I get?
- Flu – age 65 plus. Available from October 3, 2024
- Covid – age 65 plus. Available from October 3, 2024
- New for 2024 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – age 75 to 79. Available from September 1, 2024
Flu is not just a bad cold. It can make you seriously ill and can even be life threatening.
The free flu vaccination is offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk being very unwell if they catch the virus
Flu is very infectious and spreads easily.
Children are “super spreaders” which means you could catch flu from young grandchildren. Young children, anyone who is pregnant or people with underlying illnesses can also become unwell if they catch it from you.
The protection vaccines provide lessen as time goes on. So even if you’ve been vaccinated before, it’s important you keep your protection topped up.
Can I get the flu jab this autumn/winter?
You can get the flu jab if you are aged 65 or over.
When can I get the flu jab?
You can get the flu jab from October 3, 2024.
How do I get the flu jab?
- Contact your GP practice/make an appointment when you are contacted by your GP practice.
- Ask your local pharmacy (chemist). Appointments can be booked on the NHS website. You don’t need to pay.
Covid has not gone away and you are more likely to become unwell if you catch the virus.
The protection vaccines provide lessen as time goes on. So even if you’ve been vaccinated before, it’s important you keep your protection topped up.
Getting your free Covid jab can:
- help to reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
- help you to recover more quickly if you catch Covid-19
- help to reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from Covid-19
- protect against different strains of Covid-19
Can I get the Covid jab this autumn/winter?
You can get the Covid jab if you are aged 65 or over.
When can I get my Covid jab
You can get the Covid jab from October 3, 2024.
How to get the Covid jab
- Book on the NHS website
- Find a walk-in vaccination site online or call 0161 947 0770/0800 092 4020
- Call 119 – ask for a translator if needed
- A BSL service is available
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of winter coughs and colds.
It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults. It can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia).
The free RSV vaccination is being given for the first time this year to people who are at risk of becoming seriously ill and it will be available all year round.
You can get the RSV vaccination any time from your 75 birthday until the day before you are 80. It is better to get protected as soon as you can.
Can I get the RSV jab this autumn/winter?
You can get the RSV jab if you are aged 75 to 79
When can I get my RSV jab?
You can get the RSV jab from September 1, 2024.
How do I get my RSV jab?
Your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.
Winter vaccines for people who are pregnant
Winter vaccines for people with health conditions
