A country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend as those eligible for their free flu jab are urged to get vaccinated now to get protected before the festive period – with the vaccine usually taking two weeks to be fully effective.

In addition to more than 325,000 flu vaccination slots available next week in North East and Yorkshire via the national booking system, you may also see health teams in extra community hubs, local markets and football grounds in the week ahead, making it even easier for those yet to take up the offer.

Among the pop-up clinics running next week, health teams will be at Blackwell Meadows for two Darlington FC fixtures, offering flu and COVID vaccinations alongside blood pressure checks, diabetes screening, smoking cessation support and general health advice.

Shoppers can also access flu and COVID jabs and other health services at Carlton Lanes Shopping Centre in Castleford and Darley Street Market in Bradford while browsing early Black Friday deals.

The latest data shows NHS teams across the North East and Yorkshire have now delivered more than 2.4 million flu vaccines since the rollout kicked off.

Early seasonal data shows vaccination remains the best defence against flu for children and adults, who are receiving strong protection from this year’s flu vaccine despite the emergence of a new flu sub-strain driving an unusually early flu season.

UKHSA’s first Cold-Health Alert of the season also reminded the public that cold weather can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions

The region’s medical director is calling those eligible to act as soon as possible ahead of the festive period

Dr Hamish McLure, NHS England North East and Yorkshire Medical Director, said “Flu is not just a seasonal inconvenience – it can lead to serious illness, especially for those most at risk. We know the vaccine takes around two weeks to be fully effective, so now is the time to act. Give yourself the gift of protection before Christmas and book your flu vaccination online now or look out for any walk-in clinics in your area in the week ahead.”

Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Flu has hit us early this year and we’ve just faced the first cold snap of the season which can be dangerous for those over the age of 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.

“NHS staff across the country are working flat out to protect as many people as possible from flu ahead of winter – hosting pop-up clinics closer to home and on the high street – so it is vital the public come forward for one of the 2.4 million appointments running (across England) next week, as getting your jab remains the best way to shield yourself from getting seriously ill.”

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

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed, with nearly 700 thousand delivered across North East and Yorkshire so far this season.

Adults aged 75 and over and those that are immunosuppressed can book their COVID-19 vaccine directly with their local pharmacy, GP practice, via the NHS app, online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or via 119.

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.

Find out more about winter vaccination clinics across North East and Yorkshire here: NHS England — North East and Yorkshire » Winter vaccinations