Residents are being encouraged to protect themselves and their families this winter by getting vaccinated against flu, with free NHS vaccinations available for eligible adults and children across Thurrock.
Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and those with certain long-term health conditions. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and complications during the winter months.
Free NHS flu vaccinations are available to eligible residents, including:
- People aged 65 and over, including those turning 65 by 31 March 2027
- Pregnant women
- People with certain long-term health conditions
- Eligible carers and people living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Care home residents
- Eligible children, including two and three-year-olds and school-aged children
- People experiencing homelessness
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Parents and carers are also being reminded to make sure their school-aged children are protected, with flu vaccinations being offered in schools through the school immunisation programme and a series of free catch-up flu vaccination clinics taking place across Thurrock over the coming weeks.
Most children from Reception to Year 11 are eligible for the free flu vaccine, which is usually given as a quick and painless nasal spray. An injectable alternative is available for children who cannot have the nasal spray vaccine.
Flu spreads easily among children and can sometimes lead to serious illness, including pneumonia. Vaccination helps protect children from becoming unwell, reduces the spread of flu to family members and vulnerable people, and can help lessen symptoms if a child does catch the virus.
Children's flu catch-up clinics will be held at locations across Thurrock until Saturday 12 December:
- Tuesday 10 November, 12pm to 5pm, The Springhouse, Corringham
- Friday 20 November, 9am to 2pm, Tilbury Community Association, Civic Square, Tilbury
- Saturday 5 December, 10am to 2pm (booking from 9.30am), Thurrock CVS The Beehive, West Street, Grays
- Saturday 12 December, 10am to 2pm (booking from 9.30am), Thurrock CVS The Beehive, West Street, Grays
To book a clinic vaccination, visit: Book a clinic vaccination – Book a clinic vaccination
Warm Up for Winter roadshows
Residents can also get their free winter vaccinations through the Thurrock Cares Warm Up for Winter roadshows.
Running until 20 November, the roadshows bring together Thurrock Council, NHS partners, voluntary sector organisations and micro-enterprises to help residents find the support they need to stay well, save money and stay connected during the colder months.
Visitors can get advice on financial support and benefits, help with food and household essentials, energy and heating advice, support for older people and carers, respiratory health and winter wellbeing, opportunities to get involved in their community, warm spaces and vaccination services.
The upcoming Thurrock Cares Warm Up for Winter roadshows are:
- Wednesday 4 November: Aveley Library & Hub, 10am to 1pm
- Tuesday 10 November: The Springhouse, Corringham, 1pm to 4pm
- Friday 20 November: Tilbury Community Association, 10am to 1pm
Cllr Rob Willoughby, Portfolio Holder for Adult Health and Housing Services, said: "Getting vaccinated against flu is a simple step that can make a big difference to your health and wellbeing over the winter months. Flu is much more than a heavy cold and can lead to serious illness, particularly for older people, young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.
"The flu vaccine not only helps protect you and your family, but also helps reduce pressure on health services during the busy winter period. I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free NHS vaccination and for parents and carers to make sure their children receive their flu vaccine if they have not already done so.
"Our Thurrock Cares Warm Up for Winter roadshows are another great way for residents to get vaccinated, while also being able to access support and advice on staying warm, managing household costs and accessing local services."
For more information about flu vaccinations and to check eligibility, visit: Flu vaccine - NHS