As winter approaches and with the COVID-19 pandemic still raging Public Health England is calling upon all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu.

Flu is a serious condition that kills on average 11,000 people in England each year and hospitalises tens of thousands more.

Adults at high risk from flu have been found to be most at risk from COVID-19 and the flu vaccine, which is offered for free to those most at risk, is now more important than ever to help protect the nation from a double threat this winter.

This year the flu vaccination programme has been expanded and the free flu vaccine will be offered to a record number of 30 million people to help protect as many as possible from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.

Eligible people will receive direct reminders prompting them to book their appointment and all primary school children and Year 7 children will be offered the flu nasal spray in schools to reduce community transmission. Two and three-year-olds will be offered the vaccine through their GP.

The most vulnerable, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy.

It will also be offered to household contacts of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and all social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.

Ask your pharmacist or GP if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine and help protect yourself and others this winter. Visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine for more information.