‘Don’t leave important flu vaccinations too late’ Health bosses warn as cases of flu continue to rise with winter only weeks away
Thursday, 6 November 2025
The North West’s top health bosses are warning people to get important protection from the flu virus as soon as possible, with cases in the region increasing.
Eligible people, especially under 65s with long term health conditions, are being urged to come forward now so they are fully protected ahead of the usual seasonal flu peak, to help stamp out the early wave of flu hitting the NHS more than a month earlier this year, with cases triple the same time last year.
Today’s weekly data shows NHS teams in the North West have now delivered more than 1.5 million flu vaccines since the rollout kicked off (1,594,017).
Over the next week, nearly 300,000 flu vaccination appointments are available across the North West at general practices and community pharmacies. There are also vaccine buses travelling to different locations including local supermarkets, a fire station, garden centre and livestock markets – the NHS has made it easier than ever to access this important protection.
Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West, said:
“We usually see the peak of flu season in early December, that’s just over three weeks away, and with the vaccine taking up to two weeks to offer the best protection, its important people most at risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch flu, come forward for the vaccination as soon as possible.”
During the winter months, we see a sharp rise in people with respiratory infections. This can particularly impact those with long term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, who need to take extra precautions to manage their health during the winter.
Dr Cowan added:
“Everyone’s experience of living with a long-term condition is different but there are a few things people can do to help manage their condition and having winter vaccinations is one of them.
“Last year, almost 663,000 people with long term health conditions didn’t have the flu vaccine, that’s 61% of people which is a huge amount. I’d encourage all people eligible to come forward for vaccinations, even if you’re usually fit and well, it really can make all the difference.”
Winter illnesses can aggravate any existing health problems and make people more vulnerable to problems that affect their breathing and whilst most minor illnesses can be managed at home, it is important to know when to seek help. When feeling worse it is important to get help sooner before it leads to serious illness.
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UK Health Security Agency North West, said:
“Sadly we see many thousands of people with a long-term health condition ending up seriously ill in hospital from flu and tragically too many dying, when for most, this could be prevented with a vaccine.
“Anyone with a long-term health condition unsure if they are eligible, should check with their doctor to find out. With flu looking like it will come earlier this year I can’t stress enough how important it is to get yourself protected as soon as possible.
“Other groups who are at more risk of severe illness and eligible as well – older people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and 2 and 3 year olds – if you’ve not had the flu vaccine, please don’t put if off and regret it later. It’s crucial all those eligible stay strong and get vaccinated.”
Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff as well as children.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
Over 400,000 COVID-19 vaccinations have also been delivered since October, and for those people eligible for both COVID and flu vaccines, many received them at the same time in a bid to make every contact count for those who need it most to receive their winter vaccines.
Over 75s and those that are immunosuppressed can book their COVID-19 vaccine directly with their local pharmacy, GP practice, via the NHS app, online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or via 119.
More information on recommended vaccinations can be found at nhs.uk/vaccinations.