PEOPLE across the North West are being urged to get vaccinated before Christmas to protect themselves and their loved ones during festive celebrations.

UKHSA North West is encouraging eligible residents to come forward for their flu jab, with vaccines also available against COVID-19 and RSV for vulnerable groups.

Latest figures show progress, but more protection is needed ahead of increased social mixing over the holiday period.

Flu levels are continuing to increase across the UK, with thousands of hospitalisations occurring every year. With families and friends gathering indoors over the festive period, vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.

Primary school-aged children in the North West achieved a 29.2% vaccination uptake rate, below the national average of 32.7%. For the same time period in 2024/25 flu season this was 28.6% Several areas are also showing strong uptake among adults aged 65 and over, with Cheshire West and Chester at 64.4%, Stockport at 62.4%, and Westmorland and Furness at 62.1%, compared to 55.1% nationally.

Flu can lead to serious complications for people living with respiratory and heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or chronic neurological conditions; however, uptake among at-risk groups in the North West in some areas remains under 20%.

With Christmas gatherings bringing together multiple generations, UKHSA North West is emphasising that vaccination remains the best defence against serious illness.

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director at UKHSA North West, said:- "Christmas is a time for bringing families together, but winter viruses don't take a holiday. We need more eligible people to come forward for their free vaccination. It takes around 2 weeks to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so getting vaccinated now means you will have protection in place when it matters most. It is not too late to get your jab and help ensure everyone can enjoy the festive season safely."

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said:- “As we head into the festive season, many of us will be coming together with our friends and family, increasing the risk of flu spreading. Although many eligible people have already come forward for their flu vaccine, levels of flu are continuing to rise in our communities. The flu vaccine is our best defence against flu, and if you’re vaccinated, you’re much less likely to end up in hospital. It can take up to 2 weeks to fully benefit from a flu vaccine, so getting vaccinated now means you’ll have the best protection over the festive period, protecting yourself and your loved ones. There are still plenty of opportunities to get your free NHS flu vaccine through walk-in clinics, GP appointments and at your local pharmacy. Get yours now.”

Beyond vaccination, simple measures can help keep everyone healthy this Christmas. Staying at home when you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 helps protect vulnerable family members. If you need to go out when unwell, wear a mask around other people.

Catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, regular handwashing, and opening a window when meeting others indoors can all help reduce the spread of respiratory infections during festive gatherings.

Protecting families from winter illness reduces hospital pressures during the busiest time of year.

The flu vaccination programme continues throughout winter. Eligible groups for free flu vaccination include children aged 2-17 years; adults aged 65 and over; pregnant women; people with certain long-term health conditions; frontline health and social care workers; carers; and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.

Appointments can be booked through the NHS national booking system, GP surgeries, or local pharmacies. For more information about flu vaccination, visit this website.