Birmingham councillors rally to encourage flu vaccination uptake

Councillors representing wards across Birmingham have come together to encourage those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination to take up the offer.

Birmingham’s Councillors were offered a free flu jab from the NHS as a part of their role and as key public partners, helping ensure they stay protected from flu this winter, and to reduce their chances of passing on flu to vulnerable members of their families and communities. 

One in four people are at greater risk from flu, but vaccination rates are below the national average in Birmingham, Black Country and Solihull, and the colder weather typically brings with it increased attendances to NHS services for avoidable illnesses like winter viruses.  

By improving uptake, communities can support each other by preventing the spread of flu and support local NHS services by reducing unnecessary pressure. 

The vaccine helps protect against the virus, which can be a serious or even life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter to people are higher risk. 

Councillor Nosheen Khalid, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care at Birmingham City Council, said: “We all have a part to play in keeping ourselves and our communities healthy this winter. 

“Getting your flu immunisation when you’re eligible is a simple step that can make a real difference, helping to protect you as well as those around you who may be more vulnerable. 

“I’m pleased to see my fellow councillors across Birmingham have taken up this offer of a free flu vaccination, and I’d encourage everyone else who is eligible to do the same.” 

Mr Ian Sharp, Medical Advisor at NHS Birmingham & Solihull and NHS Black Country ICBs said: “Councillors play an important role as trusted leaders in their communities, so it’s fantastic to see them taking up the offer of a flu vaccination and leading by example. 

“Flu can have serious complications for those most vulnerable in our communities, and we know that our uptake isn’t as good as it needs to be to ensure we are protecting as many people as possible. By getting your free NHS flu vaccination, you are not only reducing the likelihood of getting the virus yourself, but limiting your chance of passing it on to those you may come into contact – grandparents, children, vulnerable work colleagues and those in local community. 

“Year after year we see huge numbers of people with flu attending our services, putting significant pressure on our GP practices, hospitals and community services. Vaccination remains our best protection, so I would strongly encourage all of those eligible to do what our local councillors have done and get vaccinated.” 

Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include: 

• Those aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027) 
• Those aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions 
• Those who are pregnant – flu vaccines can be given at any stage of pregnancy 
• Those who live in a care home 
• Main carers for an older or disabled person, or who receive a carer’s allowance 
• Those who lived with someone who has a weakened immune system 
• Those aged 16 or over and sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter 
• Children aged two and up

To get a vaccine, eligible people can book a vaccination appointment online or via the NHS App, contact your GP surgery or visit a participating community pharmacy. Some people can also get vaccinated through their maternity service or care home, or through their employer if they’re a frontline health or social care worker. 

School-aged children will also be invited to receive their vaccination via the school aged immunisations service. 

A version of the vaccine which contains no pork products is also available on request.