Thousands more people across Sefton can now get their free NHS flu vaccination as the national flu programme expands.
Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for older people, those living with long-term health conditions and people whose immune systems are weakened. As winter approaches, Sefton Council is encouraging everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free flu jab to help protect themselves, their families and local health services.
Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination now include people aged 65 and over, adults aged 18 to 64 with certain health conditions and residents of long-stay care homes. Carers, people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system, eligible frontline social care workers and people experiencing homelessness are also eligible.
You can book an appointment:
Or you can book over the phone by calling 119 free of charge. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Vaccinations are usually given to adults by injection, while a nasal spray is provided for most children.
The latest phase of the vaccination programme follows last month’s launch of flu vaccinations for pregnant women, young children and eligible school-age children.
Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Flu is much more than a bad cold and for some people it can lead to serious illness or hospital treatment.
“That’s why I would encourage everyone who is eligible to book their free flu vaccination as soon as they can. It is a quick and simple way to help protect yourself and those around you during the winter months.
“Some people may not realise they are entitled to a free flu jab, including carers and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
“If you’re eligible, please don’t wait. Getting vaccinated now will help give you protection as winter approaches.”
People who are eligible can get their flu vaccination from their GP practice, a participating pharmacy, their maternity service if they are pregnant, or through their employer if they work in eligible health or social care roles. Eligible adults can also book appointments online via the NHS booking service https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination , through the NHS App or by calling 119.
This is the first year that people experiencing homelessness and those staying in homeless hostels or night shelters are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination as part of the national programme.
Last winter, almost 19 million people in England received a flu vaccination, helping to prevent an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/influenza-in-the-uk-annual-epidemiological-report-winter-2025-to-2026/influenza-in-the-uk-annual-epidemiological-report-winter-2025-to-2026
More information about flu and the flu vaccine is available at www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/
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