Autumn / Winter Vaccinations 2024 – 25

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RSV vaccination from September 2024

A vaccine to help protect against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) will be available   in September 2024. RSV is a virus with cold like symptoms that most people recover from easily but can affect very young and elderly people seriously. Read more Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

You’ll be able to get the vaccine if:

  • You are aged 75 to 79
  • You are 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they’re born

If you’re aged 75 to 79, your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.

From early September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more.

Flu and Covid vaccinations from October

Flu and Covid is dangerous and even life threatening for some vulnerable groups including older people, people with certain health conditions and pregnant women.

Getting these vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe.

Every year the winter the Flu and Covid vaccination programme for adults aims to protect people in our community who are most vulnerable. This year the vaccination programme begins in early October for adults.

This may be later than you’ve had the vaccine before, but it means you’ll have the best protection when flu is most widespread.

If you are eligible, we will be inviting you to receive your vaccination soon so please don’t worry if you have not received your invite.

You might be able to get your vaccination from September 2024 if:

  • You are pregnant (especially if you’re near to your due date) – it is important to get vaccinated before giving birth to help protect yourself and your baby for the first few months of their life
  • you’re due to have treatment that will weaken your immune system (such as chemotherapy) – the vaccine may be given before treatment starts because it works better if given when your immune system is stronger

Speak to your GP practice for advice if you think you need to have the vaccine earlier than October.

We will usually let you know in autumn or early winter when you can get your flu vaccine. Do get in touch if you have not been contacted, but you think you are eligible.

RSV Eligibility and availability

The RSV vaccination programme starts in early September.

If you are over 75 your GP practice will contact, you to make an appointment.

Flu and Covid

Other eligible adults can book their COVID-19 vaccine from early October on the NHS App or by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations.

If you can’t get online, then you can also make a booking by calling 119 for free.

  • Some areas will also be offering local walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations.
  • Eligible under-18s will be able to book the COVID-19 vaccine from early September.
  • School- aged children will get their flu vaccine through schools and community venues.
  • Children aged 2-3 years old or with certain health conditions can get the flu vaccine at their GP practice.
  • The vaccines have a good safety and effectiveness record. Their side-effects are generally mild and do not last for more than a few days.
  • Your practice will let you know when vaccines are available. It is likely that the RSV vaccine will be available first.
  • We encourage you to get your Flu and Covid vaccines in the same visit where possible, to get protected against both viruses in just a few minutes. If this is not possible, it is better to get each vaccine as soon as you can rather than waiting.

Booking a vaccine is quick and easy, it usually takes just a few minutes.

Protect yourself this winter.  If you are eligible get your RSV, Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.