Stay safe this winter with vaccines for yourself and those you care for

Staying up to date with routine vaccinations is an effective way to protect yourself, your family, and those that you care for from illness.

Seasonal vaccinations

Ensuring that you and the person you care for are vaccinated helps to reduce the strain on our NHS during the busy winter months. If the person you care for is over the age of 65, they will be eligible for multiple vaccinations.

Covid-19
The Covid-19 winter booster programme aims to protect those most at risk. Anyone older than six months and in a clinical risk group (see tables three and four for details – opens in new tab), or anyone aged 65 and over will be able to get a Covid-19 winter booster. Those recently diagnosed as immunosuppressed can contact their GP or hospital specialist to request vaccination at any time during the year.

Flu
The flu vaccine is offered by the NHS every autumn or early winter. Among other groups, the following people are eligible for a free flu jab:

Main carers of an older or disabled person and those in receipt of Carer’s Allowance
Adults aged 65 and over
People living with someone with a weakened immune system
Children between the ages of 2 – 16

For a full list of flu vaccine eligibility, see the NHS’s immunisation and vaccination page.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a common virus that occurs in winter. For the first time, the NHS will be inviting those aged 75 – 79 for a free RSV jab. Pregnant women can also contact their GP or maternity service to receive the jab from 28 weeks onwards.

Pneumococcal vaccination
This vaccine protects against serious bacterial infections such as meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia. It is available for babies, those over the age of 65 and those at higher risk of getting seriously ill. For a full list of those eligible, please visit the NHS’s page on pneumococcal vaccination.

More information on the vaccinations available to you

To find more information on all the vaccinations and immunisations that are offered in Oxfordshire in winter and throughout the year, please see the NHS’s immunisations and vaccinations page and their seasonal vaccines page.