With Christmas just weeks away, NHS health leaders in the South East are urging eligible residents to get their flu vaccine now.

From this coming Saturday (22/11) to Friday 28 November, there are over 200,000 flu appointments available across the region, including some walk-in sites that require no booking, helping ensure everyone who needs protection is ready for the festive season.

It takes around two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective, so getting vaccinated during this period means people will be protected in time for Christmas. To date, over 2.65 million people have had their flu vaccination across the region.

On Monday 24 November, residents in or near Aylesbury can visit Health on the High Street at Unit 33, Friars Square Shopping Centre, between 9:30am and 2:30pm to get their flu jab.

The following day, Tuesday 25 November, vaccinators will be at Gurdwara Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji Temple on Highfield Road in Dartford, offering both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from 9:00am to 3:00pm.

These are just some of the ways in which the NHS is making it easier than ever for people to come forward and get their winter vaccinations.

Caroline Reid, NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning, said: “With Christmas and winter just around the corner, more people are likely to become ill with flu as we spend more time indoors.

“By getting your flu jab this week or next, you’ll be protected in time for the festive season as the vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective.

“A UKHSA study shows children who receive the flu vaccine are 75% less likely to end up in hospital with flu, so it’s vital for parents and carers to get their children vaccinated.

“Even if you’ve had a vaccine or flu before, immunity fades over time and viruses change each year. If you are vaccinated and still catch flu this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, reducing your risk of hospitalisation.”

Last year in England, flu caused around 8,000 deaths, while vaccination prevented an estimated 96,000 to 120,200 hospitalisations. The flu vaccine helps protect those most vulnerable from serious illness and hospitalisation.

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include people aged 65 and over, children aged two and three as well as all school-aged children, pregnant women, and people aged six months to 64 years with certain long-term health conditions. Frontline health and social care workers, residents of care homes, and main carers for older or disabled people, or those living with someone with a weakened immune system, are also eligible.

If you are eligible, you can book your vaccine via the NHS App, visit nhs.uk/BookFlu, call 119, or contact your GP practice or pharmacy.

For more information on flu, visit Flu – NHS

• 2,659,500 flu vaccinations have been administered in the South East between 1 September and 16 November 2025