Last updated 5 January 2023
Flu is a respiratory illness, affecting the lungs and airways. It is the result of an infection caused by an influenza virus.
Flu is more likely to be serious if you have a long term health condition, are pregnant, or are older. The people at high risk of COVID-19 are generally the same people at increased risk of becoming very ill with flu.
Flu can also be serious for young children.
Last year in Wales, more than a million people got their flu vaccine. That’s around one in every three people.
It circulates in Wales mostly during the winter months each year. There are often slight changes to the flu virus each year which means that annual vaccination is needed for best protection.
Free annual NHS flu immunisation is available for people at most risk of complications from flu.
If any of the following apply to you, even if you feel healthy, you are more likely to get complications from flu if you catch it, and you are advised to have a flu vaccine if:
The following groups are also advised to have a flu vaccine to protect them and the people around them:
Most children and young people will get a nasal spray vaccine as this is the best flu vaccine for them. It is a fine mist sprayed up the nose, and can be given from the age of two.
In most cases your seasonal flu vaccination will be offered in the following location:
Eligible Group | Where to get your flu vaccine |
Children two or three years (age on 31 August 2021) |
Check with your GP surgery or book an appointment at our main vaccination clinics in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown (call 01874 442510 or email powys.covidvacc@wales.nhs.uk) |
Primary and secondary school children without long term health conditions |
Check with your GP surgery or book an appointment at our main vaccination clinics in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown (call 01874 442510 or email powys.covidvacc@wales.nhs.uk) |
Children aged 6 months to under 18 years with long term health conditions |
Check with your GP surgery or book an appointment at our main vaccination clinics in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells and Newtown (call 01874 442510 or email powys.covidvacc@wales.nhs.uk) |
Pregnant women |
Check with your GP surgery, community pharmacy or community midwife or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |
Long term health conditions (adults) |
Check with your GP surgery or community pharmacy or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |
People aged 50 or over |
Check with your GP surgery or community pharmacy or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |
Unpaid carers |
Check with your GP surgery or community pharmacy or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |
Domiciliary carers |
Check with your community pharmacy or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |
Care home staff |
Check with your community pharmacy or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |
Health and social care workers |
Check with your employer or community pharmacy or attend a drop-in clinic in Bronllys, Llandrindod Wells or Newtown. |