{"id":203478,"date":"2026-01-19T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hillfoothealth.nhs.uk\/?p=203478"},"modified":"2026-01-19T12:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T12:00:00","slug":"its-not-too-late-to-get-protected-urge-nhs-health-chiefs-as-winter-vaccinations-continue-to-be-available-across-the-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hillfoothealth.nhs.uk\/?p=203478","title":{"rendered":"\u201cIt\u2019s not too late to get protected\u201d urge NHS health chiefs, as winter vaccinations continue to be available across the region"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Health leaders across the North West are encouraging eligible people to continue to come forward for flu vaccinations, reminding the public that it is not too late to get protected as winter pressures continue.<\/p>\n

Flu is circulating in the community and can cause serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children, and those with long\u2011term health conditions. Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe infection and helps ease pressure on local hospitals and GP services during the busiest time of year.<\/p>\n

Latest available published data shows 280 hospital beds were occupied by people with flu in the North West between 1 and 11 January 2026.<\/p>\n

Just over 2.3 million eligible people have been vaccinated this flu season*, but thousands more are still eligible for the free flu vaccination and if you\u2019re eligible for the vaccine you may also be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination as well.<\/p>\n

Parents in particular are being urged to ensure their children have the flu nasal spray offered in schools and GP practices.  Young children and those with long term conditions like asthma, are vulnerable to flu and can spread the virus easily to others.  Local catch-up clinics are happening across the whole region for those who may have missed having the vaccine in school. <\/p>\n

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning and Senior Responsible Officer for the NHS Vaccination Programme for NHS England in the North West said: <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cFlu can be very unpredictable.  We experienced an early peak of disease this season, but that doesn\u2019t mean we have seen the last of it this winter, so anyone who hasn\u2019t already been vaccinated and is eligible, should come forward for the vaccination as soon as they can.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Eligible groups can receive the flu vaccine for free through their GP practice, local pharmacy, maternity service, or school\u2011based immunisation team. Many community pharmacies offer walk\u2011in appointments, making it easier than ever to get protected.<\/p>\n

Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS England in the North West said:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cEvery vaccination really makes a difference. Coming forward now can help keep yourself well and supports the NHS during a very busy winter.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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If you\u2019re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:<\/p>\n