Flu still low but above recent winters: who can get a jab
UKHSA says September flu activity was higher than in the past four winters, though levels remain very low, and the autumn COVID-19 vaccine is open for booking.
September flu activity in England was higher than in the same month of each of the past four winters, though levels are still very low, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says, and it is urging eligible people to get vaccinated.
Flu positivity rose to 6.5% in the week to 4 October, from 5% the week before. UKHSA says flu trends have been rising since August and there are possible signs of an early flu season.
“Flu levels are increasing with the possibility of an early flu season so now is the time for those eligible to get vaccinated,” said Dr Jamie LopezBernal, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA.
COVID-19 activity also increased but remains at low levels, with positivity at 9.1%, up from 7.9%.
The strains now circulating, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains seen in the UK for over a year. Dr Alex Allen of UKHSA said the agency was “not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before”.
Who can get a free flu jab
The NHS lists these groups for the adult flu vaccine; the children’s vaccine has a separate NHS page:
- People aged 65 or over, including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027
- People aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
- People who are pregnant, at any stage
- People who live in a care home
- The main carer for an older or disabled person, or someone who receives a carer’s allowance
- People who live with someone with a weakened immune system
- People aged 16 or over who are rough sleeping or in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Who can get a Covid jab
The NHS COVID-19 vaccine in England is offered to:
- Adults aged 75 or over, including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027
- People aged 6 months to 74 years with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- People who live in a care home for older adults
How to book
For flu, people can book online or in the NHS App, use a pharmacy or contact their GP surgery. The last date is 31 March 2027, and online booking closes on 30 March 2027.
For COVID-19, people can book online or in the NHS App, or go to a walk-in site, without waiting for an invitation. The last date is 31 January 2027, and online booking closes on 30 January 2027. The NHS says the two vaccines can be given together.
What is not yet known
UKHSA cites a World Health Organization technical report indicating that one flu A(H1N1) virus seen recently at low levels in Europe and the UK has ‘drifted’ from the version in this year’s vaccine. It is too early to say how well the vaccine will work against it. The vaccine has components against all three types of flu virus, and vaccines typically remain effective at preventing severe flu even when drifted strains are seen.
The NHS says anyone with a high temperature should wait until they feel better before being vaccinated, and anyone with a health condition who is unsure of their eligibility should speak to their GP surgery or specialist.
