UKHSA Urges those Celebrating Diwali in the South West to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on those celebrating Diwali across the South West to come forward for their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if they are eligible, so they can be 'winter-proof' and have a safe and healthy celebration.

The vaccines take up to two weeks to provide maximum protection, so getting vaccinated early will help reduce the risk of severe disease in time for Diwali (20 October).

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 are eligible for vaccination against flu and COVID-19, ensure you get your vaccines. This will help your Diwali celebrations stay on plan, whether that is sharing delicious meals, lighting lamps or exchanging gifts with friends and family.

Vaccination teams across the South West 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.

UKHSA data on flu vaccine uptake in the South West last winter (2024/25) showed that rates exceeded national averages across most groups. The figures showed that 79.3% of over-65s in the region had their flu jab compared to 74.9% nationally, while 49.2% of 2-year-olds and 50.5% of 3-year-olds had been vaccinated, both above the England averages of 41.7% and 43.5%, respectively. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly among pregnant women, where the uptake was 42.1% across the South West.

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.

School-aged flu vaccination rates in 2024/25 varied across the South West, with the highest uptake in Gloucestershire at 68.8% overall, while other areas like Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch were at 46.0%. The regional average for school-aged children stands at 56.7%, above the national figure of 50.2%.

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 free nasal spray flu vaccine, delivered in schools by immunisation teams across the South West.

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.

Dr Chitra Arumugam, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said:

"The Diwali season is a particularly special time across the South West, where we have vibrant Hindu, Jain and Sikh communities from Plymouth to Swindon, Bristol to Bournemouth. It is wonderful to see families and friends coming together to celebrate, but this also happens when flu and COVID-19 cases typically rise in our region.

I am pleased that vaccination rates across the South West are generally above national averages, but we want to encourage everyone in eligible groups, particularly in our diverse communities, to get protected. Whether you are celebrating in one of our cities or rural communities, getting vaccinated helps keep you and your loved ones healthy for this important festival.

Each winter, our hospitals across the South West see thousands of children needing treatment for flu complications. Many of these admissions can be prevented with a simple vaccine that also helps protect grandparents and other vulnerable family members during Diwali gatherings."

Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said:

“Celebrations such as Diwali are an opportunity for families, friends, and communities to come together. However, as when we spend more time together indoors, the risk of spreading infections such as flu and COVID-19 increases. Nobody wants to miss out on celebrating with their loved ones, which is it’s important to protect yourself and those around you by getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

These vaccinations are provided for free by the NHS for those who are eligible, and you can easily check whether you qualify via the NHS website. It’s vital that everyone who is eligible comes forward for their vaccinations to help protect those who are most vulnerable and build immunity in our communities.”

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.   

You can also find your nearest drop-in service or using the NHS walk-in finder.