THE NHS and charity Action for Family Carers are urging people with long-term health conditions, and the carers who support them, to get their free flu jab as soon as possible.

People aged over 65, those with certain long term health conditions and people with caring responsibilities can get the vaccine free of charge from their GP or local pharmacy.

Vaccinations are available to book now.

The warning comes after Australia recorded one of its toughest flu seasons in recent years, with cases soaring and hospitals under pressure. Experts say this is a sign that the UK could also be facing a severe flu outbreak this winter.

Why it matters:

Flu is not just “a bad cold” – it can be deadly for people with heart disease, diabetes, COPD, asthma, kidney problems, or other long-term conditions.

Even if your health condition is well managed, flu can cause serious complications, which could lead to a stay in hospital. It can also make the symptoms of your long-term condition worse, for example causing fluctuations in the blood glucose level for people with diabetes, or triggering more frequent, or severe asthma attacks.

Carers are also at risk – if you catch flu, both you and the person you care for could be in danger.


Dr Sam Williamson, Associate Medical Director at Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB said: “Flu is not trivial. Every winter we see patients with long-term conditions – such as heart disease, COPD, asthma or diabetes – who become very unwell after catching it. Even if you usually feel in control of your condition, flu can trigger a chain reaction of health problems that, in the worst cases, could put you in hospital. Vaccination is quick, safe, and free. Please don’t wait until flu is already spreading, book your jab now.”

Reviewing data from last winter’s flu vaccination programme found a clear link between flu vaccinations and people avoiding emergency hospital admissions. Hertfordshire and west Essex data showed that:

If you have heart disease, a lung condition, liver disease or diabetes, you are around twice as likely to be hospitalised with a respiratory illness if you don’t have the vaccine.

The findings for carers are even more stark.

If you are a carer, you are seven times more likely to be admitted to hospital with a flu-related illness if you don’t have the flu vaccination. 


Dr Williamson added: “Our analysis of last year’s data makes the benefits of flu vaccination crystal clear. People with long-term health conditions were about twice as likely to end up in hospital with serious respiratory illness if they hadn’t had the flu jab. For carers, the risk was even greater – seven times more likely to be hospitalised without protection. Flu is unpredictable, but the vaccine gives you the best chance of staying well and out of hospital this winter. Getting protected is a simple step that could make a huge difference.”


James Clarke, Chief Executive Officer at Action for Family Carers in Essex, said: “We know that carers, including young carers, are more likely to experience poor health than non-carers. Having your flu jab is a great way to protect not only yourself but also the person you look after from more serious illness. Please ask your GP or pharmacist about having your flu jab with the person you look after.”



How to get your vaccinations:

Flu vaccinations for over 65s and people with long term health conditions; and COVID vaccinations for those aged 75 or who are immunosuppressed, are available from GP Practices and most pharmacies. You GP practice will invite you or you can book an appointment on the NHS website.

Children aged 2-3 can have the flu nasal spray at their GP practice, or, in a new addition this year, from some local pharmacies.

School-aged children will be offered the flu nasal spray vaccination during the school day by roving vaccination teams.

Find a full list of who is eligible for flu and COVID vaccines on the ICB website.