Flu Vaccinations for Personal Assistants

Personal Assistants (PAs) who do not receive a flu vaccination through work can access a free NHS flu vaccination from their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy.

Flu can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and people with underlying health conditions. Getting vaccinated helps protect PAs themselves, the people they support and the continuity of care people rely on during the winter months.

The best time to have the flu vaccine is during the autumn, from October to the end of November. Flu vaccines are offered each year because the strains most likely to circulate can change and protection from previous vaccinations reduces over time.

You may be asked for proof that you are a PA

Some GP practices or community pharmacies may ask you to provide evidence that you work as a Personal Assistant.

This could include:
- a letter from your employer;
- an ID badge; or
- a payslip.

If you need a letter confirming your employment, we have provided two template letters below which your employer can complete:

Confirmation of Employment Letter – Electronic Version

Confirmation of Employment Letter – Printable Version

Information for people who employ PAs

If you employ a PA through a Direct Payment, Personal Health Budget or using your own funds, please make them aware that they may be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination.

You can also provide your PA with a completed confirmation of employment letter if they need evidence of their role when attending for their vaccination.

You are not expected to pay for your PA’s flu vaccination if they are eligible for a free NHS vaccination and do not have access to an occupational health scheme that provides one.

Further information

For more information about flu vaccination for Personal Assistants, including why vaccination is important and how PAs can access it, please read the full guidance below:
Flu vaccination guidance for personal assistants (PAs) - GOV.UK

You can also find further information about flu vaccinations on the NHS website:
Flu vaccine - NHS