Online maps
We're experiencing issues displaying data in some of our maps. We're working with our supplier to fix this. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Vaccinations
Find out about COVID-19, flu and MMR vaccinations.
Vaccines offer the best protection against serious illness. It's important that you have all the vaccinations you're eligible for.
The most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in Sussex is available from the Sussex Health and Care website.
On this page you can find out more about:
COVID-19 vaccinations
The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are safe and effective. They give you the best protection against COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccination is currently only available if you’re at increased risk, for example, because of age or certain medical conditions.
Find out more about eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations on the NHS website.
Who can get a COVID-19 autumn vaccination?
The NHS has offered a further COVID-19 vaccination this autumn to those at greatest risk of severe illness from the virus.
This includes:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- people who are pregnant
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a health or social care setting (including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those who are employed by those who receive direct payments or Personal Health budgets)
Getting your COVID-19 vaccination
If you're currently eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination you can:
- book your appointment directly with your GP-led local vaccination service when they contact you
- book your appointment through the COVID-19 National Booking System online
- book through the NHS app
- phone 119 to book an appointment (you can speak to a translator if you need to)
- textphone 18001 119 (for British Sign Language users, people with difficulties communicating or people with hearing difficulties)
- phone the local booking hub on 0300 303 8060 to book an appointment or if you have any questions
Appointments are available at some pharmacies and other locations in the city. You will only be shown appointments that are suitable for you.
Flu vaccinations
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. It’s offered every year on the NHS to people most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu or who are most likely to pass flu to other people at risk.
It’s important to get your flu vaccine if you are eligible because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading.
Who can get a flu vaccination
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system
If you're eligible for the flu vaccine, the NHS will let you know when you can get it. Please wait to be invited.
If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can book an appointment at a local pharmacy for a private vaccination. You will need to pay for this.
Where to get your flu vaccination
If you're eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can:
- book an appointment at your GP surgery
- find a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine on the NHS
Everyone who is eligible for the free flu vaccine will be able to get it.
GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches throughout the flu season. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book one for when more vaccines are available.
Find out more about the flu vaccine, where to get it and who is eligible for it on the NHS website.
Flu vaccine for children
Children can catch and spread the flu easily. Vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.
Most children are offered the flu vaccine as a nasal spray, which is even more convenient and easily administered when compared to a jab.
School-aged children will be offered the flu vaccine through their school. Parents are strongly encouraged to fill out their consent forms to enable their child to get protected.
Younger children will be invited by their GP.
Find out more about flu vaccinations for children.
MMR vaccine
Measles is a highly infectious disease that can lead to serious illness for some people, but the good news is that it can be easily prevented through immunisation.
The MMR vaccine is free on the NHS and although it’s usually given to young children, it can be given to all ages.
Check if your family is up-to-date on the MMR vaccine
Information on your child’s immunisations can be found in their red book, given to you by your health visitor or you can keep an online version of the red book.
If you're unsure if you or your family has had the MMR vaccine, contact your GP surgery.
If anyone in your family has missed one or both doses of the MMR vaccine, contact your GP practice to book an appointment.