NHS teams across the country are stepping up winter flu vaccination efforts this week, bringing jabs closer to shoppers ahead of Christmas. Pop-up clinics will be set up in shopping centres, on high streets, at football clubs and in soft-play venues to make it easier to get vaccinated while out and about. The drive begins this weekend and everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine is urged to get it now — it takes around two weeks to reach full effectiveness.
So far this season 15.4 million flu vaccines have been delivered, and around 2.4 million appointment slots are scheduled for the next seven days. NHS leaders say flu has arrived early this year and that cold snaps increase risks for older people and those with long-term health conditions. They encourage people to use the available local pop-up clinics, check pharmacies for drop-in services, book online or by phone, or speak to their GP about the winter jab.
Who is eligible
– People aged 65 and over
– Those in clinical risk groups and close contacts of immunosuppressed people
– Pregnant women and children
– Care home residents and carers
– Frontline social care workers
– Health and social care staff
How to get vaccinated
Eligible adults can book via the NHS App, through their GP practice, online at nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119 or by finding a nearby walk-in clinic. Parents should complete school vaccination consent forms or book appointments for children aged 2 to 3 so they are protected before the Christmas break.
Other winter vaccines
COVID-19 boosters are available for adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed; 4.3 million COVID-19 vaccines have been delivered so far this season. Those eligible can book COVID-19 vaccines at local pharmacies, GP practices, via the NHS App, online or by calling 119.
The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and older adults, and the pneumococcal vaccine for people aged 65 and over, to reduce the risk of serious winter illnesses such as pneumonia. Full details about recommended vaccines and who should get them are available at nhs.uk/vaccinations.
Early data suggests this season’s flu vaccine is offering strong protection, even though the season has started unusually early and is being driven by a new sub-strain. The UK Health Security Agency’s Cold-Health Alert also warns that cold weather raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for people over 65 and those with pre-existing conditions.
With the festive season approaching and flu cases higher than last year, NHS leaders are urging people to take up the offer of a vaccine now. Find your nearest pop-up clinic through your NHS regional webpage, check local pharmacies for drop-in services, book online or call 119, or contact your GP practice to arrange a winter jab.
