NHS teams across the country are ramping up their winter flu vaccine offer ahead of Christmas, bringing vaccinations closer to people during Black Friday shopping. The nationwide drive begins this weekend and those eligible for a free flu jab are urged to get vaccinated now — the vaccine usually takes two weeks to become fully effective.
Local teams will run pop-up clinics in shopping centres, on high streets, at football clubs and in soft play areas over the next week to make it easier to get the jab while out and about. So far this season 15.4 million flu vaccines have been delivered, with 2.4 million appointments scheduled across the next week.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said flu has arrived early this year and cold snaps increase risk for those over 65 or with pre-existing conditions. He urged the public to use one of the 2.4 million appointments next week, saying getting your jab remains the best way to avoid severe illness. He added: “Catch a bargain not a bug this winter — find your nearest pop-up clinic via your NHS regional webpage, check local pharmacies for drop-in services, book online or by calling 119, or speak to your GP practice today about your winter flu vaccine.”
Those eligible include:
– 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
Eligible adults can book now via the NHS App, their GP practice, online at nhs.uk/bookflu, by calling 119 or by finding a nearest walk-in service. Parents should complete school vaccination consent forms or book appointments for 2 to 3-year-olds to ensure children are protected ahead of the Christmas break.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said with the festive season approaching and flu cases higher than last year, now is the time to get vaccinated. He noted NHS teams will be in shopping centres and on high streets so people can get jabs while shopping, and highlighted broader winter preparations including stress-testing plans and identifying vulnerable patients.
Early data shows this season’s flu vaccine is providing strong protection, despite an unusually early flu season driven by a new sub-strain. The UK Health Security Agency’s Cold-Health Alert also reminds the public that cold weather raises risks of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for those over 65 and people with pre-existing conditions.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed; 4.3 million have been delivered so far this season. Adults 75+ and immunosuppressed people can book COVID-19 vaccines via their local pharmacy, GP practice, 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 over 65s, to help protect against serious winter illnesses such as pneumonia. More information on recommended vaccinations is available at nhs.uk/vaccinations.
