The NHS in Kirklees is rolling out flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to all eligible people as part of nationwide efforts to safeguard the most vulnerable over winter.
Since the beginning of September, vaccination teams have been giving flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services, and schools. Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care workers.
Following the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed.
The NHS has already sent invitations by email, and further invites through the NHS App, text, and letters are set to go out throughout October. However, if you are eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book an appointment.
How to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Appointments can be booked on the NHS App, local GP practices, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.
Appointments are available across local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinics. For pregnant women, the vaccine may also be available through maternity services.
Dr. James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Vaccinations are our most effective defence against these viruses and can save lives. We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to get their vaccinations as soon as possible. With easy-to-book appointments now available closer to home, getting vaccinated today could keep you out of the hospital this winter.”
The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine for those over 65, to help protect against serious illnesses more common in winter, like pneumonia.
Join the ‘Get Strong, Get Vaccinated’ campaign – it could be the most important appointment you make this winter, helping to keep you out of hospital. For more information on recommended vaccinations, visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations
Those who can get a Flu vaccination
The 2025 to 2026 flu vaccination programme will run until 31 March 2026. It is based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), those eligible include:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
- adults aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined in the Influenza chapter of the Green Book).
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
Health and social care staff will be offered a flu vaccine from their organisation, with convenient options being offered.
Those who can get a COVID-19 vaccination
This year’s autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme will run until 31 January 2026 and those eligible include:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)