Help protect residents and our communities this winter.

As we prepare for the winter months, flu continues to be a significant cause of illness, hospital admissions and additional pressure on health and care services. As frontline staff, you can play a vital role promoting the flu vaccine and protecting residents. The flu vaccine remains the best defence against serious illness and helps reduce the spread of infection across our communities. The flu vaccine prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions last winter. 

 For the 2026/27 flu vaccination programme, vaccinations for pregnant women and eligible children begin from 1st September 2026. Flu spreads easily among children and can quickly be passed on to family members and others in the community. The earlier and more children we vaccinate, the less it spreads to older people, those with underlying health conditions, and other vulnerable residents. 

From 1st October all other eligible groups can get their flu vaccine. This includes residents aged 65 years and over, residents 18 years to 65 years old in clinical risk groups, carers, and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals. 

Every conversation counts. Help keep residents safe this winter by actively promoting the flu vaccine and supporting uptake across our communities.

Find more information here