People across the North East and North Cumbria are being urged to check if they are eligible for a free flu, Covid, RSV or Pneumococcal vaccine. Anyone who qualifies is being asked to book an appointment for their jab.
Eligibility figures and start dates
North East health experts say around 1.6 million people in the region are eligible for a free flu vaccine this year, while approximately 401,000 can get a Covid-19 booster. Pregnant women and children have been able to get their flu vaccine since September.
From October 1, appointments are also available for people aged 65 and over, adults with certain long-term health conditions and other eligible groups. Covid-19 vaccinations are also beginning for people aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.
Who can get which vaccine
Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer at NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Winter viruses can make some people seriously ill. If you’re eligible for a vaccine, now is the time to make your appointment. Vaccination greatly reduces the risk of serious illness and getting protected ahead of winter gives you the best chance of staying well when these viruses are circulating.”
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include people aged 65 and over (including those who turn 65 by March 31, 2027), pregnant women, adults with certain long-term health conditions including a learning disability, care home residents, children aged two and three and schoolchildren from Reception to Year 11, eligible carers, people living with someone with a weakened immune system, people experiencing homelessness, and frontline health and social care workers.
RSV and pneumococcal vaccines
Covid-19 vaccines are available to people aged 75 and over (including those who turn 75 by January 31, 2027), residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed because of a health condition or treatment.
The NHS offers an RSV vaccine throughout the year to pregnant women from 28 weeks, adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and some people aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or long-term lung condition. People aged 65 and over can also get a pneumococcal vaccine, which helps protect against infections that can cause pneumonia and meningitis. Babies and some children and adults with health conditions are eligible too.
How to book
Eligible adults can book a flu vaccine or Covid-19 vaccine through the NHS website or NHS App. Anyone who cannot book online can call 119. Flu vaccines for schoolchildren will be delivered by school vaccination teams, while 2–3-year-olds can get a flu nasal spray at their GP practice or by booking online on the NHS website for an appointment at a participating community pharmacy. Pregnant women can ask their maternity service about flu and RSV vaccination, while GP practices will usually contact patients eligible for RSV and pneumococcal vaccines.
“Some people, who are more vulnerable to serious illness over winter, may not realise they are eligible for these vaccines,” added Dr O'Brien. “If you are unsure, please check the NHS website or speak to your GP or local pharmacist for advice to get the protection you need.”
