Flu vaccinations: who in Ealing can get a free dose

Do you need to wait for an invitation before getting a flu vaccine? In many cases, you do not. Ealing Hospital began a vaccination programme for its own staff on 11 October, while eligible residents can book through the NHS website, the NHS App, a GP surgery or a participating pharmacy.

What has started at Ealing Hospital

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust says three members of the intensive care team at Ealing Hospital are providing flu vaccinations around the clock for clinical and non-clinical staff. The programme began on Sunday and the hospital is aiming to vaccinate 60% of its workforce.

This arrangement is for trust staff. Members of the public should not attend the intensive care reception for vaccination. Residents should use the standard NHS routes available to patients.

Who can get a free vaccination

The free adult flu vaccine is available to people aged 65 or over, including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027. It is also offered to adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant people, care home residents, main carers for an older or disabled person, and people receiving Carer’s Allowance.

The programme also covers people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system, and people aged 16 or over who are sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter. Frontline health and social care workers should normally use the vaccination arrangements provided by their employer.

Qualifying health conditions include diabetes, chronic heart, kidney and liver disease, some respiratory conditions, a weakened immune system and learning disabilities. Anyone who is unsure about eligibility should contact their GP surgery or specialist.

Children aged two or three, pupils from reception to year 11, and children with certain long-term health conditions are also covered by the programme. Most school-aged children receive the vaccine at school. Parents of two- and three-year-olds can contact their GP, book online or find a participating pharmacy.

How to arrange a dose

Eligible residents can book online through the NHS or the NHS App, contact their GP surgery, or use the NHS pharmacy finder. The pharmacy service shows opening times, accepted age groups and whether walk-in vaccination is available. People do not need to be registered with a GP to receive a free eligible flu vaccine at a pharmacy.

Vaccination remains available until 31 March 2027, although the NHS recommends getting protected as soon as possible before winter. The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work. People with a high temperature should wait until they feel better before being vaccinated.

The NHS says common side effects of the injected adult vaccine, such as soreness at the injection site, a slightly raised temperature or body aches, are usually mild and improve within one or two days. The injected vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses and cannot cause flu.