Today we launch a short animation to continue raising awareness of those who are eligible for the flu vaccination this year and how it offers vital protection.

With flu and COVID-19 expected to be in wide circulation together this winter, the NHS is advising people to boost their immunity by having both vaccines if eligible.

Being vaccinated not only helps protect you but your loved ones and supports the resilience of the health and care system.

This year, many more people are entitled to receive the flu vaccination free on the NHS, as additional cohorts have been added.

Those eligible include people with underlying health conditions, such as asthma and heart disease, pregnant women and eligible children (2 and 3 year olds; and school children aged up to year 11).

You may get your jab either from your own GP practice or any pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations. Some people may receive an invitation to come forward for a vaccination from their GP surgery or by letter from the NHS flu service. However, you do not have to wait to be invited before booking an appointment for your flu vaccination at your GP practice or pharmacy.

All primary school aged children and those Year 7 to 11 in secondary school will be offered their flu vaccination in school. Children aged 6 months to 2 years with a long-term condition will receive their vaccination at their GP surgery, while those from reception to Year 11, with a long-term condition, will be offered it either at school or at their GP surgery.

Vaughan Lewis, Medical Director for NHS England and NHS Improvement in the South East region, said: “Rates of flu infection vary from year to year. Last year we saw low levels of flu across England and there is very real risk that infection rates could be higher than usual this winter.

“It is therefore important that we all do everything we can to remain safe. Wearing a mask in crowded spaces will guard against flu as well as Covid and regular hand washing will also reduce transmission.”

He added: “I would encourage anyone who is eligible for a flu jab to take up the offer. This year the flu programme is running alongside the Covid-19 vaccine programme. Having both vaccines at the same time is safe and may suit some people. However, it is important not to delay having either your flu jab or your Covid-19 booster so you can have them at the same time.”

The animation is set to be shared with GP practices, patients, partner agencies and the wider public, over the coming days and weeks.

For most healthy people, influenza (otherwise known as flu) is an unpleasant but usually self-limiting virus. However, children, older people, pregnant women and those with underlying diseases are at a particular risk of severe illness if they catch it.

Some people are more susceptible to the effects of flu. For them, it can increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. In the worst case, flu can result in a hospital stay or even death.