Protect yourself and your family this winter: flu vaccinations now available for those eligible
The wider flu vaccination programme for eligible groups began on October 1, 2026 - helping to protect those most at risk from serious illness during the winter months.
Flu is not just a heavy cold. It is a highly infectious virus which can lead to serious complications, hospital admission and, in some cases, death, particularly for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Steve Clapton, Assistant Director of Health Protection and Prevention for the Derby & Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, and Nottingham & Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Boards, said: “Flu can be a very serious illness and getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family and those around you ahead as we move into the winter months. This is why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated from today October 1.
“It can be very dangerous for those in higher risk groups who can go onto experience serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. It really can make some people seriously ill.”
From October 1, flu vaccinations will be available for the groups listed below, who are encouraged to book an appointment with their GP practice or a local community pharmacy via the National Booking Service. If you are eligible you do not have to wait for an invitation to book and have your vaccination.
• people aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31st March 2027)
• people aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
• people who live in a care home
• people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• people who are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.
Where you can get the flu vaccine?
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
You may be able to get a vaccine from:
• Your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (for those aged 18 or over)
• your maternity service (if you’re pregnant)
• your care home (if you live in a care home.
Parents of children aged two or three years and clinically at risk children aged 4 to 17 are encouraged to get them vaccinated at their vaccination at their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy.
Appointments at participating community pharmacies can be booked online Book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment – NHS.
School-aged children are currently being offered the flu vaccine at school by the local school-aged immunisation service. Parents and carers will receive a consent form to complete prior to the Vaccination Team attending the school.
Pregnant women are reminded they are still eligible for the vaccine.
More News From Amber Valley Info
| Amber Valley Borough Council takes first step towards legal challenge over borough split Amber Valley Borough Council has issued a pre-action letter to the Government as the first f read more | |
| Belper care home sold to experienced operator following competitive marketing campaign Ada Belfield Care Home in Belper has been sold to experienced care home operator Welford Healt read more | |
| Mobile speed camera locations in Derbyshire during October 2026 Derbyshire Casualty Reduction Enforcement Support Team (C.R.E.S.T) will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforcem read more | |
| Make this Stoptober the time you quit smoking for good Stoptober is just around the corner, giving people across the country the opportunity to join thousands of others taking their read more | |
| Derbyshire County Council invests in future talent through apprenticeship programme More than 30 new apprentices have started their careers with Derbyshire County Council, as part o read more | |
The Amber Valley Info Noticeboard
| Pottery Close Halloween Event Taking a Break This Year The popular Halloween event at Pottery Close will not take place this year, as the organisers have not had enough time to prep read more | |
| Food waste recycling is coming to Amber Valley From June 2026, Amber Valley Borough Council will introduce weekly food waste recycling across the borough as part of a phased roll-ou read more | |
| Stallholder Bookings Now Open For The Tansley Big Day Out We're excited to announce that Tansley's Big Day Out 2026 will take place on 6th & 7th June 2026! read more | |
| Christmas and New Year bin collection dates Over the festive season, bin collections will operate on revised schedules. Some collections may take place up to two days earlier than u read more | |
| Launch Of WOMBLE MANIA! At the Heights of Abraham, Opened by Marcus Robertson, Son of Wombles author, Elisabeth Beresford, officially launched WOMBLE MANIA! at the Heights of Abraha read more | |
