Winter can be tough on our health. As the weather gets colder, viruses such as flu, COVID-19, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) spread more easily. These illnesses can be serious, especially for older adults, pregnant women, young children, and people with long-term health conditions.
This winter, Pennine GP Alliance is encouraging everyone in Calderdale to stay well, stay warm, and stay protected by getting your free NHS vaccinations and following simple steps to look after your health.
Winter Vaccinations 2025/26
Flu Vaccine
Flu can make even healthy people very unwell and can be dangerous for those most at risk. You’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if you are:
- Aged 65 or over
- Pregnant
- Aged 6 months to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
- A carer or live with someone with a weakened immune system
- A child aged 2–3 (via your GP) or in school years Reception–11 (through school vaccination teams)
- A frontline health or social care worker
Most adults can get their flu vaccine from 1 October 2025. Book your flu vaccine through your GP, local pharmacy, or NHS App.
COVID-19 Autumn Booster
COVID-19 can still cause serious illness, especially in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. The autumn COVID-19 vaccine is available for:
- Adults aged 75 and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
Even if you’ve had COVID-19 or previous vaccines, topping up your protection helps reduce the risk of hospitalisation this winter.
Check eligibility and book at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or contact your GP practice or pharmacy in Calderdale.
RSV Vaccine
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common virus that can be serious for babies and older adults. Free NHS vaccination is offered to:
- Pregnant women (from 28 weeks) – to protect their baby from birth
- Adults aged 75–79 (and those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024)
Ask your midwife, GP, or pharmacist for more information.
Keep Well and Reduce the Spread
A few simple actions can help you and your community stay healthy:
- Stay home if you feel unwell and avoid contact with vulnerable people.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water.
- Catch it, bin it, kill it – use tissues and throw them away.
- Ventilate rooms if you have visitors indoors.
- Don’t visit hospitals or care homes if you have diarrhoea or vomiting until 48 hours after symptoms stop.
If you’re not sure where to get your vaccine, visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or speak to your GP or local pharmacist.
Protect What Matters Most
No one wants to miss out on time with loved ones over the winter holidays. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from serious illness. Join the millions across the country who are getting protected this winter. Stay strong. Get vaccinated. Stay well.
Find out more and book your vaccines at: nhs.uk/wintervaccinations