Overview
Book your winter vaccines
Viruses such as Covid-19 and flu spread more easily in winter and can lead to serious illness.
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself, those around you and the NHS.
The following people are eligible for a free flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- frontline health and social care workers
- staff working in care homes for older adults.
The following people are eligible for a free flu vaccine:
- pregnant women
- 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)
- those living with people who are immunocompromised.
If you are aged 75 to 79 you will also be eligible for a RSV vaccine (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs that can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.
If you or someone you know falls into these categories, book your
Getting your vaccines is free, available across
Where you can get vaccines
Vaccines are available across Medway including doctor (GP) surgeries, pharmacies and walk-in-clinics.
Midwifery services can offer the flu jab for pregnant women.
For more information on vaccines and where to get them visit the Integrated Care Board website.
Getting your flu vaccine if you are not eligible for free treatment
If you are not eligible for a free flu jab, you can still pay for a jab at your local pharmacy (subject to availability). Speak to your local pharmacy for more details.
Ways to stay safe
The colder temperatures can increase the risk of the winter viruses spreading. It's important to:
- keep warm when you are outside
- wash hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as soon as possible.