Free NHS flu vaccination clinics available across Devon

It’s not too late to have your free NHS flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter. 

Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination. 

Pregnant women, and those aged 75-79 and people who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, are also encouraged to take up the offer of Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination, which helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV.

RSV can make young babies and older adults seriously ill, and protection is passed on to babies through the placenta when the vaccination is taken up during pregnancy.

Protect your loved ones this Christmas

The NHS in Devon is encouraging those eligible to come forward for their vaccination ahead of Christmas. During the holidays we all spend more time indoors and socialise more, making it easier for viruses to spread and putting those more vulnerable at increased risk.

A comprehensive vaccination programme has been underway in Devon since the beginning of September, seeing high numbers of clinics being offered across GP sites, pharmacies, vaccination centres and outreach clinics.

Local pharmacies have been offering vaccination appointments, and many continue to do so throughout the winter months. Some local pharmacies have walk-in availability, whilst others offer appointments bookable online.

Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Devon said: “Every year, I see how much illness and suffering the flu causes, and how much of it is preventable.

“The vaccines we're offering are safe and well-established. They are given to millions of people each year, and they're one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself and the people you love this winter.”

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?

• pregnant women;
• those aged 65 years and over;
• people in clinical risk groups such as those with asthma, COPD, kidney, heart and liver disease, and those with a BMI 40+;
• people living in long-stay residential care homes;
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person;
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals;
• frontline health and care workers;
• school-aged-children;
• 2- and 3-year-old children.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 seasonal booster vaccination?

• people aged 75 and over;
• people who are immunosuppressed;
• people living in long-stay residential care home for older adults.

Pain-free flu protection for 2- and 3-year-olds, and school-aged children

Children are often described as 'superspreaders' of flu, as they pick up and transmit the virus easily, frequently passing it on to grandparents and other vulnerable family members. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate school-aged children, and children aged 2 and 3.

The free flu vaccine does not only protect them from serious illness, but also helps reduce the spread to those around them. Furthermore, the vaccine to children is delivered as a simple nasal spray rather than an injection, making it quick and pain-free.

The immunisation programme for school-aged-children is still underway – with catch up clinics running for those who may have missed or been unwell during school visits, or children who are home educated.

These free clinics are available throughout December and January, and parents and guardians can contact the School Immunisation Service on 01392 342678 for more information.

Parents and carers of 2- and 3-year-old children should visit the NHS website and book a flu vaccination appointment at their local pharmacy, or contact their GP surgery for an appointment.

Where can I have a free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccination?

Please see the list of walk-in NHS vaccination clinics below, offering the free flu jab and the COVID-19 seasonal booster vaccinations to eligible adults.

More clinic locations, dates and times will be published regularly during the programme, so please check the NHS website if the current list of clinics does not include a clinic near you, or at a time and date suitable to you. 

You can also check availability at your local pharmacy on the NHS website, or contact your GP surgery as they may still offer winter vaccinations.

NHS walk-in flu and COVID-19 clinics in Devon: