Getting a flu or COVID-19 vaccination

Vaccines are our best protection against flu and COVID-19. Over the last few years, winter vaccines have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save lives.

The eligibility criteria for COVID-19 and flu vaccines is the same for adults and having them together is encouraged.

 

People who are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine

Since 30 June 2023, you can only get a COVID-19 vaccination if you’re at increased risk from COVID-19, or live with or care for someone who is at increased risk. 

The following groups will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine during autumn/winter 2023:

  • aged 65 years old or over (you need to be 65 years old by 31 March 2024)
  • aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group*
  • living in a care home for older adults
  • a frontline health or social care worker
  • aged 12 to 64 years old and live with someone with a weakened immune system
  • aged 16 to 64 years old and are a carer

Book your COVID-19 vaccine

If you’re eligible, you can book your appointment to get the vaccine by visiting NHS – book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

If you cannot book online you can book over the phone by calling 119 free of charge.  You can speak to a translator if needed.

A local NHS service may also contact you, such as your GP surgery, to get a vaccine for you or your child. This is usually done by text or a phone call, but you may sometimes get a letter or a notification in the NHS App.

Richmond Road Medical Practice is the main GP site delivering COVID-19 vaccines in Hackney. You can receive the vaccine from your GP if you are registered at:

  • Elsdale
  • Lawson
  • Spring Hill
  • Lower Clapton
  • Latimer
  • Greenhouse

COVID-19 vaccination frequently asked questions

Dr Sandra Husbands, Director of Public Health answers some common questions on the COVID-19 vaccine.

People who are eligible to get the flu vaccine

Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It’s offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Book your flu vaccine

Page updated on: 6 October 2023