Overview

Winter vaccines help keep you, your family and your community safe during the colder months. They can stop people becoming very ill and help reduce pressure on NHS services.

Vaccines Available This Winter

Flu (Influenza) Vaccine

The flu vaccine helps protect against the flu viruses most likely to spread each winter. Flu can make some people very unwell, especially older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions.

You may be able to have the flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Are pregnant
• Have a long-term health condition, such as a breathing, heart, liver or kidney problem
• Work in health or social care
• Have a child aged 2 or 3 years old (some primary school children may also be offered the vaccine through school)

You can find more information at: Flu vaccine - Public Health Wales

COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against serious illness and having to go to hospital.

You may be offered a seasonal COVID-19 booster if you:

• Are aged 75 or over
• Live in a care home
• Have a weakened immune system
• Work in health or social care

If you are eligible, you should be invited for your vaccination. If you think you should have been invited but have not heard anything, contact your local health board or visit: COVID-19 vaccine - Public Health Wales

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

RSV is a common virus that can cause serious chest and breathing infections. It can be especially dangerous for young babies and older adults.

You may be able to have the RSV vaccine if you:

• Are pregnant – having the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect your baby during their first few months of life
• Are aged 75 years or over
• Live in a care home for older adults

The RSV vaccine helps to:

• Protect babies from serious RSV infections
• Reduce the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and death in older adults
• Reduce pressure on GP surgeries and hospitals during winter.

More information is available at: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine - Public Health Wales

Why Are Vaccines Important?

Winter illnesses spread more easily during the colder months. Getting vaccinated can help:

• Protect you from becoming seriously ill
• Reduce the spread of infection to other people
• Protect people who are more vulnerable
• Help the NHS cope with extra winter demand

How Can I Get Vaccinated?

• You may receive an invitation from your GP surgery or local health board
• Vaccines may be available at GP surgeries, pharmacies, community clinics or through school programmes
• If you are eligible, you will be told how and where to book

If you think you are eligible but have not been contacted, speak to your GP surgery or local pharmacy.

Is It Safe to Have More Than One Vaccine?

Yes. It is safe to have more than one vaccine at the same time, such as the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. A healthcare professional will advise you.

Further Information

For more information about winter vaccinations in Wales, speak to your GP, pharmacist or visit Immunisation and vaccines - Public Health Wales.