Protect yourself this winter: Flu and COVID-19 vaccines now available

Vulnerable and older people across Derby and Derbyshire, including people with some existing conditions, who are most at risk of getting ill this winter will start to receive an invitation to come forward for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine.

Flu vaccines are offered each year at the start of the Winter season to those at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell with flu.

Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time because flu viruses change quickly.

This means that last year’s vaccine may not protect you from this year’s virus.

New flu vaccines are released every year which is why it is important to keep yourself protected.

Dr Chris Weiner, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Derby and Derbyshire, said: “Every winter, the NHS urges people to protect themselves from falling seriously unwell by getting vaccinated against viruses such as covid, flu, and now, RSV.

“It’s crucial for those most at risk to consider getting vaccinated early. The vaccines offer the best protection from becoming seriously unwell this winter.

“These vaccination programmes will save lives and help ease the strain on the NHS during the difficult winter period ahead, please come forward for your vaccine if you are eligible”

We anticipate that most flu and Covid vaccinations should be completed by Friday 20 December 2024.

You are eligible for a flu vaccine from 1 September 2024 if you are the following:

  • pregnant person
  • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
  • primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
  • secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
  • all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

From 3 October 2024:

  • those aged 65 years and over
  • those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter 19)
  • those in long-stay residential care homes
  • carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
  • close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
  • frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants

To find your nearest clinic, or to book your Flu vaccine, visit the NHS website.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be offered from October 3. You may receive a letter from your local GP practice inviting you to book in and vaccinations are also available at some local pharmacies.

You are eligible if you are:

  • are aged 65 years and over
  • live in a care home for older adults
  • are pregnant
  • are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a health condition or treatment, as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book
  • are a frontline health and social care worker

You can book in, or find details of your nearest clinic here: NHS Vaccinations