Cold weather and flu can make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you are 65 or older, or if you have a long-term health condition.

People with a learning disability are more likely than other people to become seriously ill if they get the flu.

Having a flu vaccine is the best way to stop getting the flu. You can have the flu vaccination at your GP surgery or at a pharmacy.

It is free if you are:

  • a person with a learning disability
  • an autistic person with another qualifying long term heath condition
  • the main carer of a disabled person
  • a child aged 2 to 11
  • frontline health or social care staff (e.g. a support worker)

It is important that people with a learning disability and those who support them have the flu vaccine to reduce the chance of the flu virus being passed on to them.

Flu jabs for people with a learning disability

This short film by the NHS is about the flu vaccination for people with a learning disability and autistic people with certain health conditions.

The film covers why having a flu jab is important, who is eligible for a free jab, where you can get the jab and reasonable adjustments.

Flu jabs for carers of people with a learning disability

This short NHS video is for carers of people with a learning disability. It covers how important it is for carers to vaccinate themselves and the people they care for.

The video explains why it is important to have it every year, who is eligible for a free vaccine, where you can get the vaccine and the reasonable adjustments carers might need for the person they care for.

More information

The NHS has also made some helpful easy read resources about how to stay well this winter and protect yourself from flu.

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