Influenza Vaccination 2024-2025

Posted on:

The timing of this year’s flu vaccination campaign has been altered – with most adults to be given the jab at the start of October rather than September, NHS England has announced.

A September 1 start date will remain in place for children and pregnant women, however.

And no changes have been announced to the eligible cohorts.

Delaying administering the jab until the beginning of October is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that this provides ‘optimal protection during the highest risk period.’

Guidance issued by UK Health Security Agency said evidence shows that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness can wane over time in adults.  

Holding clinics from October means vaccines will be administered ‘closer to the time that the flu season commonly starts’ and to when it peaks in December or January.

Timings and eligibility for free NHS flu vaccine

The following should be vaccinated from 1 September 2024:

  • pregnant women
  • all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
  • all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years who have missed this vaccination at school
  • The following should be vaccinated from October 2024 (exact date still to be confirmed):
  • 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

We will be holding prebooked vaccination clinics during on weekdays and information about these will be sent to those eligible as soon as possible.

Flu Vaccination Notice:
Flu vaccination invitations are on their way! If you’re eligible, you’ll be invited to book an appointment via a booking link. We also have a walk-in clinic on 3rd October, but to minimise your wait time, we recommend calling ahead to schedule a specific time.

There are now more NHS providers, such as pharmacies, offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations. This aims to increase convenience and address healthcare inequalities. However, GP practices like ours rely heavily on the NHS funding from this program to subsidise other essential services. Therefore, if possible, please support our practice by getting your Flu vaccines from us. Thank you.

Support your Practice, have your vaccination with us.