Reading residents urged to get vaccinated as flu season comes early

Health officials are encouraging eligible Reading residents to protect themselves from flu by getting vaccinated against the virus, which caused almost 8,000 deaths across the UK last year.

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu. The NHS offers free flu vaccines to people who:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:

• Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
• Book a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy online (if you’re aged 18 or over)
• Find a pharmacy that offers walk-in appointments for free NHS flu vaccinations (if you’re aged 18 or over)

All children from age 2 up to the end of secondary school are also eligible.

For the first time, children aged 2 and 3 years can get the vaccine at a pharmacy, while school-aged children will be offered it in school.

Dr Matthew Pearce, Director of Public Health for Reading Borough Council, said: “The flu vaccination is the best defence we have against serious illness this winter, and here in Reading we want to ensure our residents are protected.

“As someone with asthma, I know how important it is to stay protected, so I’ve had my vaccination. Even if you’ve had flu before, it’s vital to top up your immunity, as it fades over time and the viruses change each year.”

Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health in Reading, added: “NHS experts are saying that the coming flu season will be a significant challenge and could be the worst in a decade. I’m urging all eligible people to make use of the free NHS vaccination service that is available.”