Vaccinations not only protect you from serious diseases but also fortify the collective immunity of our neighbourhoods, schools, and workplaces. By ensuring you and your loved ones are up-to-date with recommended vaccines, you contribute to a healthier, more resilient community.

Flu vaccine

Flu is not just a cold – each year flu kills on average 11,000 people (nationally) and hospitalises thousands more; People are still getting ill with COVID-19 and we expect this to increase as winter gets nearer.

The viruses spread from person to person, even amongst those not showing symptoms and it’s very easy to pass the virus on without knowing.

People who get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, are more likely to be seriously ill particularly those who are already vulnerable Getting vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you from both these serious illnesses; this will also help to reduce the strain on our health and social care services in what is likely to be a very busy winter period.  

These vaccinations are the best protection for you and those around you. It’s available for free to those most at risk.

Who is eligible for a free flu vaccination?

People who are eligible for a free flu vaccination include:

• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022
• all primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
• those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
• pregnant women
• those aged 65 years and over
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline staff employed by registered residential care or nursing homes, domiciliary care provider, voluntary managed hospice provider, direct payment or personal health budgets such as personal assistants
• secondary school-aged children focusing on Years 7, 8 and 9 with any remaining vaccine offered to years 10 and 11, subject to vaccine availability
• those aged 50 to 64 years old not in clinical risk groups (including those who turn 50 by 31 March 2023).

If you are not in one of the eligible groups you can still book a flu jab at one of many high street locations including pharmacies and supermarkets.

For more information about the national flu campaign, visit NHS.UK.

Measles vaccine

Recently Leicester has seen confirmed cases of measles. It is really important to prevent the spread of measles as it is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness, in severe cases can be fatal. The best way to prevent the spread of measles is to have two doses of the measles vaccine.

There are lots of measles pop up vaccination clinics you can visit.

Measles is a disease that can be easily spread in both adults and children. In some cases, it can lead to severe illness and can be fatal.

The virus spreads easily through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with an infected person. People who have had two doses of the measles vaccination (MMR) are highly protected against getting measles even if they come into contact with someone who has the disease.

Early symptoms of measles include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sneezing Sore, red, and watery eyes
• Koplik spots (small red spots with bluish-white centres) inside the mouth

Several days after these first symptoms, a rash can develop on the face and upper neck, extending to other parts of the body such as the hands and feet. This rash lasts for about 5 to 6 days before gradually fading.

Measles is often mistaken for other infections that also cause rashes so is always something to think about if you have any of these symptoms and have not been vaccinated against measles.

In some people measles can lead to other illnesses including:

• Lung infections
• Ear infections
• Severe diarrhoea leading to dehydration
• Infection of the brain
• Fits

People with a lower immune system such as people who are taking certain medicines, who are older or who are pregnant are at more risk of getting other illnesses if they are infected with measles.

If you think you or someone you know has measles, please call your GP but don’t go in person until you have spoken to them on the phone. This is because the virus can be spread so easily. If you need to call an ambulance, tell them you think this may be measles so that staff can take the proper precautions.

You should stay away from other people, especially those who are pregnant, who are not vaccinated or who have weaker immune systems until you know whether you have measles or not. The test for measles is very simple, usually by testing your spit. Your doctor will organise a kit to be sent to you.

MMR vaccine

Preventing the spread of measles is best achieved through vaccination. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine provide lifelong protection. In the UK, this is given to all babies at 13 months and 3 years 4 months.

The Priorix vaccine does not contain gelatine.

You can check your vaccine status through the NHS app or by calling your GP. Your child’s status can also be checked through their red book.

People born after 1970, or those who arrived in the UK after childhood may not have received two doses so can check this with their GP.

For more information on measles or the MMR vaccine, visit the NHS website.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is our best protection against the virus. Find answers to common questions about the vaccine and how to get yours.

Quick links

• Check out easy read guides about vaccinations at GOV.UK
• COVID-19 vaccination and pregnancy

Seasonal COVID vaccine boosters

The NHS will contact you if your record suggests you may be eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine.

You may be offered a spring COVID-19 vaccine from April 2024 if you:

• are aged 75 years old or over
• live in a care home for older adults
• are aged 6 months old or over and have a weakened immune system

When available, there will be different ways to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine:

• booking online
• going to a walk in COVID-19 vaccination site
• through a local NHS service, such as a GP surgery
• through your care home

Mobile vaccination van

You can find your nearest mobile vaccination unit through the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland vaccination service.

How do I book for a COVID vaccination?

Go to the Integrated Care Board (LLR) website.

First, second and booster vaccinations

The COVID-19 first and second doses are up to 12 weeks apart.

You can get your booster dose three months after your second vaccination. The booster dose will further increase your level of protection. You should take this when you are eligible. Most people who can get a COVID-19 booster vaccine are also eligible for the annual flu vaccine. If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time.

Book your first, second or booster vaccine (if eligible):

• Online at NHS.UK
• By calling 119 between 7am and 11pm any day of the week
• Find a drop-in vaccination clinic
• If a suitable slot is not available, phone your GP

Fourth booster dose

The following groups of people will be offered a fourth dose (booster) of a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine:

• adults aged 75 and over
• residents in a care home for older adults
• people aged 12 and over with weakened immune systems
• You will be contacted by your GP surgery or hospital specialist when it’s due.

Vaccine safety

The vaccines have been tested on tens of thousands of people around the world. It has been through the same safety trials and approval process as every other vaccine. The process has happened faster because so many scientists worked on it at the same time.

The vaccines contain no animal products, eggs or alcohol. They cannot give you coronavirus and there is no evidence that they cause infertility. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has said that there is “no plausible biological mechanism” by which the vaccine could affect fertility.

Over 15 million people in the UK have already been safely vaccinated.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are considering pregnancy, are pregnant or breastfeeding you can get information on our vaccination and pregnancy page.

Beware of vaccine scams

The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge on the NHS.

The NHS will never ask for:

• your bank account or card details
• your pin or banking password
• copies of personal documents to prove your identity such as your passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips

If you think you have been a victim of fraud or identify theft, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.