Flu and Covid-19 alert shared by UKHSA epidemiologist as cases rise

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are intended to protect people at higher risk of severe illness

A consultant epidemiologist has urged eligible Brits to do one thing to protect themselves from illness this winter. Their message follows a fresh report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showing that COVID-19 and flu cases are on the rise.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal’s guidance was posted to the UKHSA’s X account. It reads: “The first weekly surveillance report of the 2025/26 season shows that both flu and COVID-19 positivity continue to increase, so everyone eligible for vaccination should take it up now to ensure optimal protection.

“The NHS national booking system has opened for all eligible groups to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments.” COVID-19 vaccines are designed to protect against the virus, especially for groups at higher risk of severe illness.

Although many people do not need a booster, the NHS typically provides these additional doses to individuals more vulnerable to serious complications.

Regarding winter COVID-19 vaccination, this specifically concerns the following groups:

• People aged six months to 74 years who have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• People who live in a care home for older adults
• People aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)

Meanwhile, flu vaccinations are aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from influenza. In a prior social media post, UKHSA specified that six key groups could get their flu shots starting September 1, with six more eligible from October 1.

From September 1, this included:

1. Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
2. Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
3. Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
4. All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
5. Pregnant women
6. All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025

And from October 1, 2025, this included:

1. Care home residents
2. Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person
3. Those living with people who are immunocompromised
4. Frontline health and social care workers
5. Everyone aged 65 years old and over
6. Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions

Brits can use the NHS app to verify if they are eligible for the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. The jabs are generally provided at GP surgeries, select pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care residences. Health or social care workers might also receive a vaccination at their workplace.

You can also get a flu jab at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccination and others, such as shingles. Although the RSV vaccine is typically given separately, the NHS states that a doctor may administer it together with others if needed.

As of October 1, the NHS had already sent over 12 million flu jab invitations by email, with additional invitations also being issued via the NHS App, text messages, and letters throughout this month. However, those who are eligible do not need to wait for an invitation to book.

For more information, head to the NHS website.