About the flu vaccine

Flu vaccines help stop you getting very unwell if you catch the flu.

The flu vaccine is usually given as the flu jab, which is an injection, but for some people with very bad fear of needles, they may be able to have it as a nasal (nose) spray.

NHS flu vaccination video

This video explains the importance of the flu vaccination for people with a learning disability and autistic people with certain health conditions; why it is important to have it every year, who is eligible for a free vaccine, and where you can get the vaccine. It also explains why providers of the vaccine need to make reasonable adjustments.

The video was made during the pandemic, but we think it is still very helpful.

Who can get a free flu vaccine?

  • People with a learning disability aged 6 months and older can get a free flu vaccine.
  • Family carers for disabled people can also get a flu vaccine for free if the person they support would be left without support if they got sick.
  • Frontline social care staff who work with people face to face.

Other groups who can get the free flu vaccine

  • Pregnant women
  • All children aged 2 and above - up to teenagers in Year 11 of secondary school 
  • People who are more at risk from getting the flu, including people with a learning disability, aged 6 months+. 
  • People over 65 yrs old
  • People living in long-stay residential care homes
  • Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
  • Frontline health and social care workers who work with people face to face.
A man in a striped jumper, sits in a chair and smiles as a female nurse checks his pulse.

Resources and Easy Reads about flu and vaccines

An NHS video for parents and carers

This NHS video is for parents, families and carers of people with a learning disability.