People urged to get flu jab as temperature drops

People living in Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged to get their flu jab as the weather turns colder and winter viruses thrive.

Those that qualify for a free vaccine against flu include people aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.

Hull City Council also advised people that are eligible to get a free vaccine against Covid and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSC).

Alison Patey, the council's director of public health, said: "Flu, Covid and RSV can be very serious for those who are very old, very young, or have health conditions."

The council said two and three-year-olds are eligible for a free flu vaccine for the first time, joining all school-age children from reception to year 11.

Appointments for jabs can be booked via GP practices, the NHS App, online or through local pharmacies, with many offering walk-in appointments.

Ms Patey said: "Vaccination doesn't always stop infection, but it greatly reduces the risk of becoming seriously ill.

"Reliable evidence shows that being vaccinated is far safer than not being vaccinated."

Who can get a free flu vaccine:

• People aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March next year)
• Those with certain long-term health conditions
• Pregnant women
• Residents of care homes
• Main carers for older or disabled people, or those receiving a carer's allowance
• People living with someone with a weakened immune system

Who can get a free Covid vaccine:

• People aged 75 and over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January next year)
• Those aged six months to 74 years with a weakened immune system due to health conditions or treatment
• Residents of care homes for older adults

Who can get a RSV vaccine:

• Pregnant women from around 28 weeks, via the maternity service or GP
• People aged 75 to 79 (or who turned 80 after 1 September 2024), via their GP practice

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