Residents across Trafford who are eligible are being encouraged to book their free NHS flu vaccination appointments to help protect themselves and others this winter.
Flu is more than just a heavy cold. It can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation and, in some cases, be life threatening, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and those with certain health conditions. The annual NHS flu vaccination programme helps protect those most at risk while also reducing the spread of infection in the wider community.
Vaccinations are being offered in phases this year, with priority groups becoming eligible in September and all eligible risk groups able to access the vaccine from 1 October.
In September, the vaccine is available to:
From 1 October, eligibility expands to include:
Residents are encouraged to ensure they are protected before the winter months. While Trafford continues to achieve higher flu vaccination uptake than the national average, uptake has been declining in some groups. Carers are of particular concern, with fewer than one in three eligible carers in Trafford receiving a flu vaccination during the 2025/26 season.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council's Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, said:
"Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself from flu and help reduce pressure on NHS services during the winter.
"Flu can cause serious illness, especially for older people, pregnant women, carers and those with underlying health conditions. We would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free vaccination as soon as it becomes available to them.
"We are particularly keen to see more carers come forward this year. Carers provide invaluable support to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, and getting vaccinated helps protect both them and the people they care for."
The flu vaccine is available through a range of local services, including GP practices, community pharmacies, schools, maternity services, care homes and employers for eligible health and social care workers. Some children's vaccinations are initially available only through schools or GP practices before becoming available through community pharmacies later in the season.
Eligible residents can book their flu vaccination online, through the NHS App or by calling 119.
For more information about the flu vaccine and eligibility, visit the NHS website.