Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.

It is important for parents to ensure their child have had the flu vaccine, with the NHS in the North West urging parents and carers to ensure their children are protected from flu. The latest data shows there is twice as much flu among school children than any other group eligible for the vaccine.

Flu can be a severe illness, especially for young children. Symptoms can include fever, extreme tiredness, aching muscles, sore throat, dry cough, and a stuffy nose. Flu can also lead to complications such as pneumonia or ear infections, which may require hospital treatment.

All school-aged children, up to and including year 11, are eligible for a free nasal spray flu vaccine. The spray, delivered through local NHS school immunisation teams, is quick and painless.

By getting your child vaccinated, you are helping protect them, but also protect those around them including those who are more vulnerable to serious illnesses. This can include babies and young children, older people and people with certain chronic health conditions.

The flu programme started in September, and parents are encouraged to ensure they sign and return consent forms on time, so their children do not miss out. If you haven’t consented yet or have changed your mind and want to consent to the vaccine, get in touch with your child’s school.

Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, cabinet member for health, wellbeing and social care, said: “I would like to remind all residents of the importance of vaccinations and encourage everyone who hasn’t had their winter vaccinations yet to do so. It’s our best defence against flu and COVID-19 during the winter.”

Get your flu jab

Those eligible for the flu vaccine include:
• people aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025) 
• people with certain long term health conditions
• pregnant women (also recommended to get the RSV and whooping cough vaccine)
• children who are aged 2 or 3 (on or before 31 August 2024) 
• school-aged children (from reception to Year 11) will mainly be offered their flu   vaccinations at school.
• those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system

If you are recognised as being in one of the ‘high-risk’ groups for flu, you will receive an invitation from your GP practice inviting you for a free flu vaccine.

If you are pregnant, you can arrange to have the vaccine at a local pharmacy or via your maternity care provider.

People who do not meet the requirements for a free flu jab may request a vaccine from any participating pharmacy for a small fee, depending on vaccine availability.

Protect yourself from COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk from COVID-19. You may be offered a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
• are aged 65 or over
• 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
• live in a care home for older adults
• are a frontline health or social care worker

Some people may be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through a local service, such as a community pharmacy or GP surgery, or a care home if they live in a care home.

You can check your eligibility for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine and book online at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations. Appointments are carried out at pharmacies and GP surgeries.