Doctor says to get quick medical check now to avoid 'life-threatening illness'

Brits have been urged to get their flu jab to avoid serious or even life-threatening illness. Certain groups can now get their flu vaccination free of charge through the NHS. The service is available until the end of March 2026, though health experts are encouraging people to get jabbed as soon as possible.

Dr Jeff Foster, medical director of Manual.co, said it's worthwhile getting your vaccination early. He said: "From a personal perspective, this means that you are immune earlier and so are protected before the main bulk of the yearly disease spreads.

"Simply your risk of getting sick and flu goes down if you are already vaccinated. The second reason is that this helps herd immunity.

READ MORE: Health alert after 5,490 cases of disease rampant in England in 18th century

"The more people that have vaccinated the harder it is for the virus to spread and that means that vulnerable people are less likely to catch the disease badly or at all if they were unable to be vaccinated themselves." Mr Foster also issued a stark warning about the serious health dangers of skipping your flu jab.

He said: "It is important for all those eligible to be vaccinated because it will simply decrease their risk of getting severe flu which can lead to pneumonia, sepsis and even death. 50 children died last year as a result of flu, and over 7,000 adults.

"This number could be radically reduced if they were vaccinated. Proper flu is not just a bad cough or cold. It is a potentially life-threatening illness for those who are a greater risk."

You can get a free NHS flu vaccine if you meet any of these conditions:

• You are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by March 31, 2026)
• You have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Mr Foster highlighted that while many older individuals are aware of the free flu jab, others may not realise they qualify. He stated: "Some of those groups that are missed out, include those either socially isolated, those from ethnic minority backgrounds who may not be able to access healthcare as easily or be familiar with how the NHS systems work."