NHS alert over the 'most important thing' Brits can do for their health right now

The NHS has issued an alert over the “most important thing” people can do for their health right now. According to the health body, eligible groups need to be getting vaccinated ready for the winter.

There are a number of seasonal vaccines available to certain people at the moment, including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In a post made to X, the NHS said: “The most important thing people can do ahead of winter is get vaccinated.

“We now offer protection against more viruses than ever before. You can now book your winter vaccines online or via the NHS App, if you’re eligible.”

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Vaccines for Covid and flu will be offered from October 1, although you can book an appointment now. The RSV vaccine is available at any time.

In an NHS statement, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting commented: “Winter is always tough for the NHS, but this year we’re ramping up preparations and doing more to protect the country. From ‘war game’ exercises to extra checks for the most vulnerable, we’re making sure the health service is ready for whatever comes its way.

“But the public has a crucial role too. The single best way you can protect yourself, your family, and the NHS is by getting vaccinated. It takes pressure off hardworking staff and helps ensure care is there for patients when they need it most.

“By preparing together – government, NHS staff and the public – we can give the health service the best chance to weather the winter ahead”.

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, added: “The NHS now offers protection against a greater number of viruses than ever before and so if you are eligible for RSV, Covid or flu jabs please do come forward as soon as possible – it could save your life”.

Covid vaccine

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
• Are aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• Live in a care home for older adults

If you're eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine and are aged five years or over, you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now.

Vaccination appointments will take place from October 1, 2025. Also from October 1 you may also be able to get vaccinated at:

• A walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
• A local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery
• Your care home (if you live in a care home)

You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.

Flu vaccine

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer. Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from October 1, 2025.

Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from September 1, 2025. You may be able to get a flu vaccine from:

• Your GP surgery
• A pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination
• Your maternity service (if you're pregnant)
• Your care home (if you live in a care home)
• Your employer (if you're a health or social care worker)

If you're aged 18 or over, you can book a flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App now.

RSV vaccine

You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:

• You're 28 weeks pregnant or more – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they're born
• You're aged 75 to 79
• You turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024

Young children with a very high risk of getting seriously ill from RSV may also be given an injection of infection-fighting antibodies each winter.

The vaccine availability varies depending on where you live. For more information, visit the NHS website here.