UKHSA urges eligible East Midlands people celebrating Diwali to prioritise flu and COVID-19 vaccination

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging all eligible people in the East Midlands preparing for Diwali to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccination, to ensure a safe and healthy celebration. The vaccines take up to two weeks to build immunity for maximum protection, so getting vaccinated early will help lower the risk of severe illness in time for Diwali on 20th October.

Susanne Howes, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA East Midlands, said: “The Diwali season is a cherished time when families and friends come together to celebrate and exchange greetings. However, it also coincides with the start of winter when flu and COVID-19 cases typically rise. We strongly encourage members of the Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities to prioritise their health by getting vaccinated if eligible, helping them to stay winter-proof.

“Aside from protecting yourself, ensure your children are vaccinated too against flu. Each winter thousands of children require treatment in hospital for flu or its complications. Many of these episodes can be prevented by a simple vaccine.

"This year children can also get the nasal flu vaccine at a participating pharmacy that offers the NHS children's flu vaccination. On top of helping to keep your child healthy, the flu vaccine also helps stop the spread of flu in the family and wider community – helping to protect those who are more vulnerable and the elderly such as grandparents.

“So, help protect yourself and your loved ones this Diwali by checking your eligibility and adding the flu vaccine to your Diwali preparation checklist.”

If you are eligible, it is because you are at greater risk of serious illness from flu and COVID-19 and of ending up in hospital.

Flu and COVID-19 spread more when we spend more time indoors. If you are in one of the groups who is eligible for vaccination against flu and COVID-19, ensure you get your vaccines. This will help your Diwali celebrations stay on plan, whether that’s sharing delicious meals, lighting lamps or exchanging gifts with friends and family.

Kirit Mistry at the South Asian Health Action, said: "As we prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights, it's important to prioritize our health and well-being, especially with the winter months ahead. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to stay healthy as we come together to spend time with families and friends.

"Vaccinations not only keep us safe from serious illness but also help ensure a joyful and sickness-free Diwali. Let's come together, stay healthy, and celebrate this festival of lights with peace of mind."

Vaccination teams across England are working to protect millions most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter by building immunity ahead of December and January, when hospitalisations for respiratory viruses typically rise. Taking up the vaccines means you have taken steps to minimise the chances of spreading these infections or even experiencing serious complications from them.

For the first time, those eligible for winter vaccines have been able to book appointments since 1 September, allowing more people to book their flu or COVID-19 vaccine appointments in advance.

Those aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women are eligible for the free flu and COVID-19 vaccines from the NHS.

People aged 75-79 and pregnant women are also eligible for an RSV vaccination, with the maternal vaccine not only protecting the mother but passing protection through the placenta for newborns in their first few months, when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.   

Children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine, which is offered as a free, quick and easy nasal spray, and are advised to take up the vaccine ahead of the festivities. Younger children are particularly vulnerable to flu and every winter, thousands of children are hospitalised, with children under the age of 5 years having one of the highest rates of hospital admissions due to flu compared to other age groups. 

By getting vaccinated, your child not only protects themselves, but also those more vulnerable around them, including babies, grandparents, and people with weakened immune systems.

Parents of school-aged children are urged to ensure their children’s school vaccination consent forms are completed, and that eligible pre-schoolers, 2-and-3-year-olds, are booked for an appointment at their GP practice. Children in Reception to Year 11 will be offered the vaccine in schools by immunisation teams up and down the country.

Any child aged 6 months or over who has a health condition that puts them at increased risk from flu should have a vaccine every year. Children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons should request an injected flu vaccine instead.

Booked appointments and walk-in sessions are now available across local pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the country and you can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.   

For more information contact UKHSA East Midlands Email: ian.coulsonthorpe @ ukhsa.gov.uk or annemarie.senior @ ukhsa.gov.uk

Mobile: 07769 880 708, Out of hours (after 5pm weekdays, weekends and Bank Holidays)