Flu and other winter viruses are already circulating across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, and local hospitals are starting to see the impact. Public Health and NHS leaders are urging residents to take simple steps now to protect themselves, their loved ones and those most at risk of serious illness.

Early indications show that flu and COVID-19 cases are beginning to rise. With winter approaching, residents are being reminded that taking up vaccinations if eligible can help reduce the spread of infection and protect those most vulnerable to serious illness, alongside staying at home when unwell and avoiding visits to hospitals and care settings when ill.

Get vaccinated

Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against serious illness for flu and COVID-19.

Flu

Last winter the flu vaccination programme is estimated to have prevented over 100,000 hospital admissions and over 7,000 deaths across England.

All those eligible are urged to take up the offer of their free flu vaccine as soon as possible to offer the greatest protection whilst flu is circulating.

You can access the vaccine free of charge from the NHS if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
• are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant – you can have a flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy
• 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
• are aged 16 or over and are experiencing homelessness, including those staying in hostels or shelters
• frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Children can also get a free flu vaccine, usually given as a quick nasal spray. This includes:

• children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026, through their GP practice
• school-aged children from Reception to Year 11, through the school vaccination programme
• children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

Some pharmacies can now also vaccinate children aged 2 and over with long-term health conditions.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 vaccine is available free this autumn for:

• adults aged 75 and over
• residents of care homes for older adults
• anyone aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system

If you’re eligible for both the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster vaccine, you can usually have them at the same appointment.

Getting your vaccine

Getting your vaccine is quick and easy:

• Online: book at nhs.uk or through the NHS App
• At a pharmacy: many local pharmacies offer walk-in appointments
• At your GP practice: your practice may invite you, or you can contact them
• By phone: call 119 free if you can’t book online.
  

Help stop the spread of infection

Simple hygiene measures protect against flu, COVID-19 and many other infections that can spread in our communities. These include:

• washing your hands regularly with warm soapy water
• catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and binning it immediately
• keeping indoor spaces well-ventilated where possible
• consider wearing a face covering if you have symptoms and go into an indoor crowded environment.

Stay at home when you are unwell

During the winter months when we spend more time indoors, viruses spread more easily.

If you start to develop symptoms of respiratory illness, particularly a fever, or you are generally feeling unwell, stay at home where possible and avoid close contact with others, especially older people, babies, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.

Hospital visiting

People are also asked not to visit friends or relatives in hospital or care settings if they feel unwell, helping to protect patients and care home residents who may be particularly vulnerable to infection.

If you have had diarrhoea or vomiting, please wait until you have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting anyone in hospital or a care home.

Director of Public Health, Steve Brown said:

“Despite the weather being unseasonably warm outside we are already seeing flu and other winter viruses begin to circulate more widely in our communities. While many people will experience a self-limiting illness that can be managed at home, for some people, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant women and those living with long-term health conditions, these infections can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation.

“The good news is that there are simple and effective steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others. If you’re eligible for a flu or COVID-19 vaccination, please come forward and get vaccinated. If you’re unwell, stay at home where possible and avoid contact with people who may be at greater risk.

“Small actions such as washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping rooms well-ventilated can make a real difference. Together, these measures help reduce the spread of infection and protect the people in our communities who are most vulnerable.”

Consultant Nurse and Joint Director of Infection Prevention and Control (Eastern), Mel Burden said:

“Every winter we see the impact that flu and other viruses can have in our hospitals. Patients who are older, frail, immunocompromised or living with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell from respiratory infections.

“Outbreaks of respiratory infections on our wards can mean closing beds, postponing planned operations and patients, staff and visitors becoming unwell themselves, at the time of year when we need every bed and every member of staff the most. That’s also why we’re encouraging all our own colleagues to get their flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine if eligible.

“We would ask anyone who is feeling unwell to think carefully before visiting hospitals or care settings, and to follow any infection prevention advice provided. Getting vaccinated and taking sensible precautions when unwell are among the best ways to protect patients, loved ones and NHS colleagues.”

Useful resources:

• Deciding when your child is too unwell for school can be challenging, especially as attendance is so important for their wider education and wellbeing. An NHS guide called is my child too ill for school? is here to help you. 
• Your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2026 flu vaccine
• NHS flu information
• Book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment
• Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination
• Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online