NHS Surrey urges people to check whether they're eligible for vaccines
Starting Wednesday (October 1), those aged 65 years and older as well as other select groups will be eligible for a flu vaccine
The NHS in Surrey is urging residents to protect themselves and others this winter by checking what vaccines they are eligible for as part of their annual winter health campaign.
As temperatures drop and seasonal illnesses begin to spread, it’s important for people, especially those at higher risk, to take steps to stay well.
Last year 75.8% of people aged 65 and over had their flu vaccination. This means nearly one in four of that category went without.
From October 1 those aged 65 years and older, adults aged 18-65 in clinical risk groups, those in long stay residential care homes, carers and frontline health and social care workers in care settings will all be eligible to receive their flu vaccination.
Flu vaccinations for pregnant women, 2- and 3-year-olds, and school-age children began in September.
The Covid vaccination is available for those who are at highest risk of serious disease, which for Autum 2025 includes adults aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults and individuals aged 6 months to 74 years plus who are immunosuppressed.
Dr Charlotte Canniff, a GP in West Surrey and Joint Chief Medical Officer for NHS Surrey Heartlands, emphasises the dangers that winter can pose
"Winter can be a particularly dangerous time for many, especially older adults, people with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and young children, and vaccines play a critical role in protecting not just the individual, but also their families and communities."
Caniff also added that if people are vaccinated, it can help ease pressure on the NHS
"Having your seasonal vaccines not only protects you from serious illness and the likeliness of being admitted to hospital but it also eases pressure on our NHS services which face significant demand and pressures over the winter months."