Winter Covid-19 and flu vaccination campaign launches to protect the most vulnerable

This week, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) is launching the autumn and winter Covid-19, and flu vaccination programme.

From Wednesday 1 October 2025, all eligible people can get vaccinated to protect themselves from becoming seriously unwell from the effects of the viruses particularly during the colder winter months when viruses spread at a faster rate. Health leaders in LLR are urging all local residents to get their free vaccinations if they meet the eligibility criteria in an effort to protect those that are most vulnerable.

The eligible cohorts for the flu vaccination this autumn / winter includes:

• Those aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• residents in care homes,
• immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months and over,
• pregnant women,
• clinically vulnerable people,
• close contacts of people with weakened immune systems,
• Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

The eligible cohorts for the Covid-19 vaccination this autumn / winter includes:

• Those that are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026),
• those that are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment,
• residents in care homes for older adults.

*For a comprehensive list of eligibility please visit our website: latest vaccination news – LLR ICB

Dr Virginia Ashman, Clinical lead for the immunisation programme in LLR said: “We want to ensure that local people have the protection they need ahead of winter as it’s a time when viruses can spread much faster. Both the Covid-19 and flu vaccines help protect those that need it most from becoming seriously unwell and requiring hospital treatment. Pneumonia and other serious illnesses can develop from flu and Covid-19 which could be particularly harmful for already vulnerable people. It’s important to remember that the immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against new variants of both viruses.

“Getting vaccinated will provide the best possible protection against both viruses and is especially important to do before winter fully sets in, so that the vaccines are fully effective within your body. We really can’t stress enough vaccinations really do save lives.”

Pregnant women and children have been able to get the flu vaccine since 1 September 2025. Health leaders are also urging all pregnant women particularly those that are due to give birth this winter to protect their babies by having their Whooping Cough and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines when eligible as both of these viruses can be particularly harmful to newborn babies. Having these vaccines during pregnancy gives your baby some protection when they are born.

Those that are eligible for either the flu or Covid-19 vaccine do not have to wait to receive an invitation from the NHS bookings team, or their GP practice to be able to book a vaccination appointment for Wednesday 1 October onwards. Our local online vaccination hub provides full information about how to book an appointment or find a walk-in clinic across LLR, where people can attend with no appointment necessary. For a full list of all the ways to get vaccinated this autumn click here: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/how-to-get-your-vaccine/

Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine can check with their GP practice or by clicking here. There must also be a gap of at least three months between Covid-19 vaccinations, the NHS App provides details of all your previous Covid-19 and flu vaccinations.

In LLR people can access their Covid-19 vaccines via their GP practice, community pharmacies or walk-in clinics. Pregnant women also have the option of getting vaccinated at the antenatal clinics at both the Leicester Royal Infirmary and the Leicester General Hospital.

Dr Ashman concludes: “Older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are affected more by winter viruses and it’s why we’re encouraging them and all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are unsure if you can get vaccinated visit our website or drop in to one of our mobile vaccination clinics and speak to our vaccination team.”