Health and wellbeing
Eligible Walsall residents urged to come forward for free flu vaccine
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Walsall residents are being urged to come forward for their free flu vaccine as the national vaccination programme continues across the borough.
Walsall Council Public Health is encouraging those who are eligible but have not yet booked an appointment to do so as soon as possible, helping to protect themselves, their families and the wider community during the winter months.
Those eligible include people aged 65 years and over, adults aged 18 years and over with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, care home residents, carers, those living with someone who has a weakened immune system and people experiencing homelessness. Frontline health and social care workers can also receive a flu vaccine through their employer or a pharmacy.
Parents and carers are also encouraged to ensure their children are protected against flu. Children aged 2 and 3 years and those from the age of 6 months with certain long-term health conditions can receive their vaccine through their GP practice or pharmacy, while eligible primary and secondary school-aged children are being offered vaccination through the school immunisation programme.
With flu vaccination appointments available, Walsall Council Public Health is also reminding residents that the flu vaccine cannot cause flu. While some people may experience mild side effects such as a sore arm or feeling tired for a day or two, these are usually short-lived and are a sign that the body's immune system is responding to the vaccine.
Flu is more than just a bad cold and can lead to serious illness, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, young children and people with certain long-term health conditions. In some cases, flu can be fatal. Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell and needing hospital treatment.
As flu viruses change from year to year, eligible residents are encouraged to have a flu vaccine every winter, even if they were vaccinated last year. Getting vaccinated not only helps protect individuals from serious illness but also reduces the risk of passing flu on to family members, friends and others who may be more vulnerable.
“ As we head into winter, we're encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward for their free flu vaccine. Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions, but vaccination offers the best protection.
We know there are still some misconceptions about the flu vaccine, including the belief that it can give you flu. This is not true. The vaccine cannot cause flu and any side effects are usually mild and short-lived.
Every year we see the impact that flu can have on individuals, families and health services. By getting vaccinated, you're not only protecting yourself, but you’re also helping to protect those around you. If you're eligible and haven't yet had your flu vaccine, now is the time to book your appointment or walk-in to your nearest pharmacy. “
Eligible residents can get their flu vaccine through their GP or pharmacy, book through the NHS App or make an appointment using the national booking system. Residents can also book over the phone by calling 119 free of charge and if needed, to ask for an interpreter. Those who have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a BSL user can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.
An injectable vaccine that is porcine-free is also available on request.
In addition, residents should also check whether they are eligible for other vaccinations, including COVID-19, RSV and shingles vaccines. Some vaccines can be given at the same appointment as the flu vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccines are also available through GP practices for babies, people who are aged 65 years or over and children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill.
For more information on the flu vaccine visit the NHS website.
Eligibility
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine this year include:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Residents and staff in long-stay care homes
- Carers and household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Those experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
- Frontline health and social care workers (via their employer). If you cannot get a flu vaccine through your employer, you can get it at a pharmacy or your GP surgery.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the NHS website.
You can also find out more about the RSV vaccine and the Pneumococcal vaccine on the NHS website.
Eligible residents may also be able to receive other vaccines, such as the Shingles vaccine through their GP (for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system). To find out more, speak to your GP.
