Vaccinations for people with health conditions this winter
It is harder for your body to fight infections if you have certain health conditions or are having certain medical treatment (see the lists below).
Vaccines are vital to stop you from getting seriously ill if you catch flu or Covid.
They are available from the autumn to help you get protected ahead of the colder months, but will also be available throughout winter.
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.
All NHS vaccines have been rigorously tested and are free.
Make sure you are fully vaccinated to help you stay well this winter.
What vaccines can I get?
- Flu – Available from October 3, 2024
- Covid – Available from October 3, 2024
Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the vaccines.
This information is for adults with health conditions. Find information for children and young people aged six months and over.
Flu is not just a bad cold. It can make you seriously ill and can even be life-threatening.
You can get the free flu vaccination if you have certain long-term health conditions, including:
- a chest complaint or serious difficulty breathing,
- heart problems
- kidney disease
- lowered immunity
- liver disease
- a stroke or TIA
- diabetes
- a neurological condition
- a learning disability
- spleen problems
Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.
When can I get the flu jab?
You can get the flu jab from October 3, 2024. Speak to your GP for advice if you think you need to have the vaccine earlier than October.
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.
Getting your 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
You can get the free Covid vaccination if you have certain long-term health conditions, including:
- a chest complaint or serious difficulty breathing
- heart problems
- kidney disease
- lowered immunity
- liver disease
- a stroke or TIA
- diabetes
- a neurological condition
- a learning disability
- spleen problems
- a severe mental illness
- a BMI over 40
Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the covid vaccine. The UK Health Security Agency has more information about this.
When can I get my Covid jab
You can get the Covid jab from October 3, 2024.
How to get the Covid jab
- Visit our Covid vaccination clinics page to find a clinic near you that’s offering the jab and 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
- Your GP practice may be in touch to invite you for a Covid vaccine, but we recommend using the national booking line
Winter vaccines for people who are pregnant
Winter vaccines for children and young people
