Doctors are trying to ‘winterproof’ the NHS – with one new change to vaccinations happening for the first time ever
Vaccines will be given to protect those most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter(Image: WalesOnline/ Rob Browne)
Health experts are urging the public to do one important thing as a new, virulent variants of Covid-19 hit the country.
From the start of October, people are now able to get flu and Covid-19 jabs as doctors try to ‘winterproof’ the NHS.
Vaccines will be given to protect those most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter, offering immunity before December and January, when there is spike in hospitalisations for flu and other respiratory viruses.
Flu vaccines are now available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, children, pregnant women, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care workers.
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Covid-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
The NHS says it is trying to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to receive their vaccines, such as hosting mobile vaccination buses to deliver vaccines closer to home.
For the first time ever, the health service will be offering flu vaccines to two and three-year-olds at more than 500 community pharmacies across the region.
Some GPs are also offering flu vaccinations in nurseries.
The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine to over 65s, to help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, like pneumonia.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said: “With flu and Covid-19 cases already rising in the community, it’s more important than ever for people and families to protect themselves with winter vaccines.
“Vaccinations are our best defence and can be life-saving, helping to protect those most at risk from becoming seriously unwell and needing hospital care.
“The flu virus changes from year to year so it’s vital people get the vaccine every year to ensure they are protected against different strains.
“NHS teams across the region are working incredibly hard and making it as easy as possible for people to get their jabs at GP practices, community pharmacies and walk-in clinics. If you’re eligible, or look after someone who is, please come forward as soon as possible.”
Covid-19 is on the rise(Image: PA)
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 1 September 2025:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
From 1 October 2025:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined in the Influenza chapter of the Green Book)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
Health and social care staff will also be offered a flu vaccine from their organisation from 1 October 2025, with multiple lots of options to get vaccinated around working and shift patterns.
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This year’s autumn Covid-19 vaccination programme will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026 and those eligible include:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)
People can book a vaccination online, via the NHS App, by calling 119. Find a pharmacy offering a walk-in service.
For more information on recommended vaccinations, visit: nhs.uk/vaccinations.