The NHS in the South East is launching its annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme today, with all eligible individuals now able to receive their jabs to help protect themselves and others ahead of the winter season.

Health and care teams across the region are working tirelessly to build immunity among those most at risk of serious illness, aiming to reduce hospitalisations during the colder months when flu and respiratory viruses typically surge.

This comes as national data shows a rise in flu cases and a steady increase in COVID-19 infections over recent weeks, with COVID-19 hospitalisations up by 60%. The increase is believed to be linked to the emergence of a new variant, XFG.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also reports a 50% increase in rhinovirus — which causes the common cold — likely driven by the return of schools after the summer break.

To respond to this, NHS teams are identifying those most vulnerable to winter viruses and providing targeted care, ensuring they receive the appropriate vaccinations over the coming days, weeks and months.

Last autumn, NHS teams in the South East administered 2,285,576 in the first few months of the campaign going live, with 1,098,085 eligible individuals receiving both their flu and COVID-19 jabs between 3 October and 31 January 2025. This year, the NHS is aiming to get off to an even stronger start.

Caroline Reid, NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning, said:

“Vaccination remains our best defence against flu and COVID-19. By getting vaccinated early, people can protect themselves, their loved ones, and help ease pressure on the NHS during the busiest time of year.

“NHS teams across the region are working incredibly hard to make it easier and more convenient for people to get their vaccinations. I’d encourage everyone eligible to come forward and book an appointment to get vaccinated heading into winter.”

Simon Ferris, Health Protection Consultant and Respiratory Lead at UKHSA South East, said:

“From today, people at higher risk can take up their winter vaccinations. Depending on your circumstances, this may include the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccine, or both. These vaccines provide important protection against serious illness and can reduce the risk of hospitalisation. If you are invited, please do take up the offer, it could the most important appointment you make this winter.”

For the first time, eligible individuals have been able to book their winter vaccines since 1 September, allowing more people to plan ahead and secure their appointments.

In the South East, teams have been working hard to make vaccination as accessible as possible and, for the first time, flu vaccines for two and three-year-olds will be delivered in select community pharmacies. A pilot in Thames Valley will also see 30 nurseries offering the vaccine to their toddlers for the first time.

Since early September, flu vaccines have been available for pregnant women and children via GP practices, maternity services, and schools.

From today vaccines will also be available for:

• Everyone aged 65 and over
• Under-65s in clinical risk groups
• Care home residents and carers
• Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
• Frontline health and social care workers

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered to:

• Adults aged 75 and over
• Older adult care home residents
• People who are immunosuppressed

Appointments and walk-in sessions are available across local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinics in the South East. Eligible individuals can book via the NHS App, their 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 using the NHS walk-in finder.