People with these 10 conditions urged to visit GP from October 1

People with certain health conditions are being urged to visit their GP from October 1 for a flu jab ahead of winter.

The flu vaccine is offered for free on the NHS every year in autumn and early winter to those who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from the virus. Flu can cause an array of unpleasant symptoms which can come on very quickly, including a sudden high temperature, aches and pains, a dry cough, sore throat, headache and feeling exhausted. While flu will often get better on its own, for some people it can be more serious but this risk is reduced by getting the flu vaccine.

Ahead of the winter season, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging people to book their vaccinations at their local GP surgery as flu cases are already starting to increase.

Pregnant women and children have already been able to get vaccinated from this month, but appointments will be available for all of the following groups from October 1.

• everyone aged 65 years and over
• individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
• care home residents
• carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• those living with people who are immunocompromised
• frontline health and social care workers

According to the NHS, the following 10 health conditions mean that you are eligible to receive the flu vaccine for free this year and should book an appointment from October:

• conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
• heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
• some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
• diabetes or Addison's disease
• a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
• problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
• a learning disability
• being very overweight - a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

If you have a health condition that is not included on this list and you're not sure if you are eligible for the flu jab, the NHS advises speaking to your GP surgery to check.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "Flu and COVID-19 levels are starting to slowly increase.

"While this is to be expected at this time of year, now is the time for people to come forward for their winter vaccines if they're eligible, before we start to see more of these viruses in circulation in the winter months. Vaccination offers the best protection against flu, COVID-19 and RSV which is why it's vital that eligible groups get vaccinated.

"If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

"If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses."