Flu and COVID-19 vaccines kicked off this week for all eligible people to help ‘winter-proof’ those most vulnerable amid new variants circulating this year.

Vaccination teams across the East of England are working to protect millions of people most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter by building immunity ahead of December and January, when hospitalisations for respiratory viruses typically rise.

It comes as national data shows early signs of an increase in flu cases across the country, and COVID-19 cases have been steadily increasing for weeks, with hospitalisations in England increasing by 60%. The increase follows the emergence of the XFG COVID-19 variant in May.

The NHS is taking an even stronger approach to winter this year, with 2025 on track to be the busiest on record for A&E and ambulance services.

For the first time, those eligible for winter vaccines have been able to book since 1 September to allow more people to book their flu or COVID-19 vaccine appointments in advance.

The East of England’s regional vaccination teams are working hard to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their vaccines – including introducing new mobile vaccination vans helping to reach more vulnerable people of all ages and protect them against all kinds of illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV, and for the first time ever, delivering flu vaccines to two and three-year-olds in some community pharmacies.

Dr Eleanor Powers, head of public health commissioning for immunisations at NHS England – East of England, said:

“Cases of flu and COVID-19 are already on the rise in the East of England, and that’s only set to continue as we enter the colder months ahead. Vaccination remains our best defence against these potentially life-threatening viruses, so I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs.

“Whether it’s at your local GP practice, pharmacy, your child’s school or other community clinic, it’s now easier than ever to get you and your family protected this winter – so don’t wait, get your appointment booked in today.”

Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.

Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.

Pregnant women continue to be eligible for whooping cough (pertussis) and RSV vaccinations, as well as flu vaccinations, all of which protect both them and their newborn baby.

Booked appointments and walk-in sessions are now available at local pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the East of England and you can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.

You can also find your nearest drop-in service or using the NHS walk-in finder.