Health & Lifestyle | Posted on November 26th, 2025 | return to news

Dorset residents urged to get their flu vaccine

It’s not too late to book your flu vaccine if you are eligible, as incidences of the virus are on the rise across the county.

With flu cases on the rise, eligible people in Dorset are being urged to book their flu vaccines.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council says it is working with health colleagues to encourage people who haven’t had their flu vaccines to do so.

Free jabs are available for: residents aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026); pregnant women; two- and three-year-olds; school-aged children – delivered through the School Nursing team; those aged six months to 65 years old with a long-term health condition; people who live in a care home; those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance – including unpaid carers; people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system; and frontline health and social care workers.

Parents and carers of children aged two and three can book their child for a free flu vaccine. The vaccine is a nasal spray with no needles involved.

Getting a flu vaccine for two- and three-year-olds has become even easier this year as the vaccine is being offered in local pharmacies for the first time.

Everyone eligible for the flu vaccine can either contact their GP, pharmacy or attend a local vaccination clinic. Information about community clinics can be found by visiting staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations/.

All primary school children and some secondary school children are eligible for the flu nasal spray vaccination this year, which is usually given at school. Information about school immunisations can be found by visiting www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/schoolageimms.

Cllr David Brown, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Flu is an extremely nasty virus and can lead to hospitalisation. It is much more than just a cold.

“The best way to get protected against flu is by getting your flu vaccine.

“By getting the vaccine, you are protecting your friends, family and work colleagues and keeping communities healthy.”

Dorset HealthCare is also urging parents to get their children vaccinated.

Rachel Such, matron for Dorset HealthCare’s vaccination service, said: “It’s very concerning that flu has hit early this year, and the increase among children is worrying.

“Flu can spread quickly across schools and can make children really unwell, so we are urging parents to give consent for their children to have the vaccination. It’s the best protection to shield your child from getting seriously ill.”

Residents over 75 years old, or six months to 74 years old with a weakened immune system will also be entitled to a free covid-19 vaccine.

More information about the flu and covid vaccines can be found via staywelldorset.nhs.uk/vaccinations/.