East Midlands people eligible for free flu vaccine urged to get protected as flu season hits early

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging all children and adults entitled to a free flu vaccination to not delay in getting protected this year.

The call comes as latest data confirms this year’s flu vaccine offers strong protection, despite the emergence of a new subtype driving an unusually early flu season.

New data published as a pre-print by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the 2025/26 vaccine is currently 70 to 75% effective at preventing hospital attendance in children aged 2 to 17 years and 30 to 40% effective in adults.

The early findings confirm the flu vaccine provides important protection, despite a drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain (also now known as subclade K) currently dominating cases in England, so the protection levels observed in children are particularly encouraging this year.

Flu vaccine effectiveness varies from season to season but is typically between 30% to 60%, with higher vaccine effectiveness typically seen in younger age groups, helping to prevent transmission.

It comes as flu activity has risen unusually early this season, with increases first seen in teenagers and young adults, followed by younger children. Almost all cases have been influenza A, with 84% identified as the H3N2 subtype where testing was available.

Dr Vanessa MacGregor, Consultant in Communicable Disease for UKHSA East Midlands, said: “With flu hitting earlier this year I can’t stress enough how important it is to get yourself protected as soon as possible.

“Every year we see many thousands of people being seriously ill in hospital from flu and tragically too many dying, when this could potentially be prevented by vaccination.

“This latest data provides reassuring evidence that this season’s flu vaccine currently offers important protection to children and adults, despite concerns about the new subtype. It also highlights the importance of all eligible young people being vaccinated because when more children are protected, it helps stop flu spreading to others around them.

“We strongly encourage all those eligible to get vaccinated against flu as soon as possible – it remains the best defence against serious illness.”

The national flu immunisation programme 2025 to 2026 letter sets out who is eligible for free flu vaccination this season.

Those aged 65 years and over, people with long term health conditions, children aged 2 up to Year 11, pregnant women, carers and frontline health workers are among those included.

Dr MacGregor added: “We are concerned that many people at risk may not know they are eligible. The risk of serious illness from flu is higher amongst children under 5 years of age, older people, those with certain long term health conditions and also in pregnant women.

“Latest figures show less than a third of pregnant women (29.7%) and those with long-term health conditions (28.9%) have had their flu vaccine this year, compared to 61.5% of those aged over 65 years.

“Please book your vaccine appointment today, because flu is spreading now.”

Appointments can be made via the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119. The ‘walk in flu finder’ on the NHS app also allows people to find a pharmacy where they can walk in for a vaccine without an appointment.

Good respiratory hygiene is also key in preventing the transmission of flu and other viruses. Anyone with symptoms - including high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. Wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated, and if you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering.