Vaccinations

Healthcare professional in a blue uniform administering a vaccination into a patient's upper arm.

As we head into the colder months, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

These viruses can spread quickly and lead to serious health complications – especially for older adults, young children, and those with existing health conditions.

One of the most effective ways to stay well this winter is through vaccination. Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you from becoming seriously ill or needing hospital care, but also helps reduce the spread of infections in your community, workplace, and home.

Whether you're eligible for a free NHS vaccine or need to book through your local pharmacy or GP, don’t wait - check your eligibility and make your appointment today.

Vaccination helps protect yourself from serious illness and complications, safeguard loved ones – especially those who are vulnerable, help you stay well and avoid missing work, school or important events, as well as reduce pressure on the NHS and local health services.

So please book your flu, COVID-19, or RSV vaccination, and encourage family, friends, and colleagues to do the same. Follow simple hygiene measures like handwashing and staying home when unwell, and use trusted NHS resources to stay informed and prepared.

Your health is your first line of defence this winter. Let’s stay well together.

Find out how to protect yourself this winter here.

One of the most vital things we can do each year is make sure our vaccinations are up to date to help ourselves, our families and friends ward off unwanted bugs and illness.

Vaccines have helped eliminate or lessen the impact of diseases such as smallpox, polio and tetanus. Today, they continue to protect us from flu, measles, diphtheria, COVID-19, and more. But immunity fades over time - which is why annual vaccinations are essential.

If people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to spread again.

So please be aware of anti-vaccine misinformation, which is often spread online and on social media - make sure you get your health information from trusted sources like the NHS or World Health Organization (WHO).

Most people can be safely vaccinated. If you’re unsure due to allergies or a weakened immune system, speak to your GP, practice nurse, health visitor or pharmacist.

Two adults and a toddler sat interacting with an infant.

Childhood vaccinations

Children are naturally social and active – especially in schools and nurseries, where germs can spread quickly. That’s why protecting them from seasonal illnesses like flu is so important. Not only does vaccination help keep your child healthy, but it also helps protect vulnerable family members like babies, grandparents, and those with underlying health conditions.

The nasal spray flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect children from flu. It’s:

Quick – Takes just a few seconds
Painless – No needles involved
Free – Available on the NHS for eligible children

By vaccinating your child, you're helping to stop flu in its tracks – reducing the risk of serious illness, missed school days, and the spread of infection in your community.

Check your child’s eligibility and book their flu vaccine today. A small step for them, a big step for public health.

Eligibility:

Children aged 2–3 years
School-aged children (reception to year 11)
Children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

Learn more about the child flu vaccine

Vaccinations for me

As seasonal viruses begin to circulate, protecting your health becomes even more important. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV can all lead to serious illness, especially for older adults, people with long-term health conditions, and those who are pregnant.

The good news? You can take action now to reduce your risk.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to:

Protect yourself from serious illness and complications
Reduce the spread of infections to family, friends, and colleagues
Avoid hospitalisation and time off work or daily activities
Support the NHS by easing pressure on health services

Whether you're eligible for a free NHS vaccine or booking through your local pharmacy or GP, don’t wait - check your eligibility and book your appointment today.

What’s Available?

Flu vaccine – Recommended annually for many adults
COVID-19 booster – Helps maintain protection as immunity fades
RSV vaccine – Available for specific groups at higher risk

Your health matters – take a few minutes to protect yourself and those around you.

Flu vaccine eligibility:

From 1 Sept: Pregnant women, children aged 2–3, school-aged children, children in clinical risk groups
From 1 Oct: Adults 65+, clinical risk groups 18–64, care home residents, carers, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, frontline health/social care workers

COVID-19 vaccine eligibility (Autumn 2025):

Adults aged 75+
Care home residents
Immunosuppressed individuals (6 months+)

RSV vaccine eligibility:

Pregnant women (from 28 weeks)
Adults aged 75–79 (or turned 80 after 1 Sept 2024)

Two healthcare professionals stood together smiling.

Vaccinations for those around me

Getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect you – it protects your family, friends, colleagues and vulnerable members of the community.

Pregnant women benefit from flu, RSV, and whooping cough vaccines, which protect both mother and baby.

Children under 5 have high flu hospitalisation rates. Vaccinating them helps reduce severe illness and school absences.

Two workmen sat in a vehicle looking at a phone.

Vaccinations at work

Busy schedule? You don’t have to choose between staying well and staying productive. Many workplaces now offer on-site vaccination clinics – often during lunch breaks or at times that fit around your working day.

Whether you're in an office, on the move, or working shifts, getting vaccinated at work is a convenient way to protect yourself and those around you this winter.

Find out more about our vaccincation programme here.

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Good health starts at home

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