Colleagues choosing to have a flu jab this year can be reimbursed via the expenses process

The UK Health Security Agency have warned that this winter is likely to be particularly bad for flu. This is based partly on the recent flu season in Australia which is used to predict this seasons pattern in the Northern Hemisphere, in addition to the continuing risk of influenza co-circulating alongside Covid-19.

In order to help protect members of the University and wider York community, UoY staff who are not eligible for a free vaccination will be reimbursed if they choose to have a flu jab.

Check if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab

This year the flu jab is being offered for free to adults who:

• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are 50 years and over*
• are in long-stay residential care homes
• 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
• are close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• are frontline health and social care staff

*Individuals who are 65 years and over can currently access a free jab. Those who are 50 years and over will be offered a free jab later in the season, at the time of writing this article, the date of this has not yet been confirmed.

Visit the NHS website for the latest details and to check your eligibility for a free jab.

Arranging a paid for flu jab

If you would like a flu jab this year, but you are not eligible for a free one, you can book at many local supermarkets or pharmacys.

Claiming back the cost of your flu jab

A Flu jab will cost between £10.00 and £17.00 from most providers. To claim this back from the University, complete an expenses claim form, following the standard University expenses process.

Visit the finance pages to access the form and instructions on the expenses process.

Authorising expenses for flu jabs

Expense claims should use account code 2356, together with the relevant Department workorder.