NHS Greater Manchester is urging all those who are eligible to get ‘Get Winter Strong’ by getting vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them. Vaccines – free on the NHS to those who need them - give the most effective protection against common winter viruses that can cause serious illness for those at higher risk.
Who’s eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccine?
Adults aged over 65, those with long term health conditions and pregnant people are all encouraged to get vaccinated against flu and COVID. GP practices and pharmacies are offering the flu vaccine.
Pharmacy appointments can be booked online.
To book a COVID vaccine appointment call 119 (ask for a translator if needed) or go online to book your COVID vaccine appointment. A BSL service is available.
This year there is the option of booking a combined appointment to have both vaccines at the same time. Find a walk-in COVID vaccine clinic on the GM Integrated Care website or call 0161 947 0770 or 0800 092 4020.
RSV vaccine
The RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine is new for this year! This virus causes coughs and colds and can be dangerous for older people and young babies. That’s why this vaccine is recommended for adults aged 75-79 - plus pregnant people (from 28 weeks) to protect the baby for the first few months of its life. GP practices are providing the RSV vaccine.
Vaccinations in pregnancy
Pregnant people can also access flu, COVID-19, RSV and whooping cough vaccines from their maternity service. Just ask your midwife.
Vaccinations for children
Children spread flu fast! So, little ones aged 2 to 3 years, plus children in school years reception to year 11 will be given a quick and painless nasal flu vaccine spray. The vaccine will be given at school or in GP practices for little ones.
To find out more about winter vaccines, head to the NHS Greater Manchester website.
This page was last updated on 10 October 2024