Flu vaccination

Flu can be serious, especially for older adults, young children, and people with certain health conditions. Free flu vaccinations are available to people across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent every year for those most at risk. Getting your flu jab is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you from serious illness.

Who can get the flu vaccine?

Each year, the NHS invites people who are most at risk to get the flu vaccine.

To find out if you’re eligible for the free flu vaccine visit the NHS England website: Flu vaccine – NHS

When and where to get vaccinated

Flu vaccinations are usually offered in the autumn and early winter. You can get your jab at:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccinations
• community clinics across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.

To find out how to get your free flu vaccine please visit the NHS England website: Flu vaccine – NHS

Frontline health and social care workers should get the flu vaccine through their employer.

If you cannot get a flu vaccine through your employer, you can get it at a pharmacy or your GP surgery if you’re employed:

• by a registered residential care or nursing home
• by a registered domiciliary care provider
• by a voluntary managed hospice provider
• through direct payments or personal health budgets.

Why flu vaccination matters

Flu spreads easily and can lead to complications like pneumonia or hospitalisation. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to reduce the spread of the virus in your community.

In this video, Dr Tania Cork, Chief Operating Officer for Community Pharmacies in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, reveals her flu misery experience because she was too busy to get vaccinated.

Why you need a flu jab every year

The flu virus changes constantly. Each year, scientists develop a new vaccine to match the most common strains expected to circulate. That’s why last year’s jab won’t protect you this year. It’s important to get vaccinated annually to stay protected.