Vaccinations
People with spina bifida may be more prone to chest or breathing problems if their spine is curved, as this can stop the chest expanding fully during breathing. It is important to avoid flu and pneumonia if possible. Speak to your GP about an injection to guard against pneumonia, and get a flu jab each autumn.
Seasonal vaccinations
Staying healthy and well during the colder months is important and you should start by booking yourself in for seasonal vaccinations if you are eligible.
The seasonal flu vaccination is available from:
1st September 2025 for…
- those who are pregnant
- children aged 2 or 3 years old on 31 August 2025
- primary school-aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to 17 years old
October 2025 for…
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to 64 years in clinical risk groups
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- those who are carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- those with close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- those who are frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme – including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
You may be offered a COVID-19 vaccine in early winter if:
- You are aged over 75
- You are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- You live in a care home for older adults.
This link will give advice on other seasonal vaccinations and how to book them; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/