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Winter is more than just the season for catching the common cold. Colder temperatures, less sunlight, and people gathering indoors lead to an increase in other illnesses as well, such as influenza and pneumonia. In fact, last winter, influenza and norovirus cases surged, with thousands of people requiring hospitalisation.
Receiving your winter vaccinations is crucial for limiting the spread of these conditions and minimising their impact. Certain individuals, such as the elderly, people with chronic conditions, and those with impaired immune systems, are particularly vulnerable. Protecting these individuals requires high rates of vaccinations, including flu jabs, pneumococcal vaccines, and the new COVID winter booster. This ensures that GPs, hospitals, and the overall NHS aren't overwhelmed.
Learn which winter vaccinations you should consider this year.
In this guide:
Who's Most At-Risk During the Winter?
Winter is a worrying time for some groups. The cold not only worsens conditions like asthma but also makes serious respiratory illnesses more common. But who is most at risk? Consider these groups:
Older Adults. As we age, the immune system naturally weakens, making it less effective at fighting off infections. Older adults are also more likely to have one or more co-morbidities, such as heart disease or diabetes, which further impair their ability to defend against viruses and bacteria. As we saw during COVID-19, this group is particularly vulnerable to hospitalisation.
People with Chronic Conditions. People with chronic conditions like diabetes, respiratory diseases, or weakened immune systems are more likely to catch infections or have difficulty fighting them off. Chronic diseases, in general, weaken the body's ability to mount a strong immune response. For example, respiratory diseases, e.g., asthma, can worsen when exposed to cold air.
Pregnant Women & Young Children. Pregnant women and young children are considered high-risk groups for certain winter illnesses. Pregnancy alters the body's physiology, making it more susceptible to severe flu and respiratory infections. Young children, on the other hand, have underdeveloped immune systems, which leaves them more prone to complications from infections like flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones with Winter Vaccinations
Winter vaccinations are the most sensible measures you can take to prevent infections from flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19. Whether you're thinking of your own health or someone in your care, vaccinations play a central role in preventative medicine.
Here's how the flu jab, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID winter booster can help:
Flu Jab
The flu vaccine protects against the flu. It's offered by the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at high risk of getting seriously ill from flu. The flu jab is designed to reduce the risk of catching flu and the severity of the illness if you do get infected.
The NHS recommends the flu jab for specific groups, including:
People aged 65 and over.
Those with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems.
Pregnant women, who are at higher risk of complications from the flu.
Carers and frontline health or social care workers.
The children's flu vaccine is also available for children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11), and children with long-term health conditions.
Accessing the Flu Jab
If you're eligible for the NHS flu jab, you can get it for free at your GP surgery, local pharmacy (offering NHS services), or via your midwife if you're pregnant. Uptake tends to peak in the early autumn, meaning doses can run low as the flu season progresses.
Those not eligible for the free NHS flu jab can access the vaccine privately. Health Klinix offers private flu vaccines throughout the UK. Book your winter vaccination for just £21.50.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection caused by bacteria, viruses, and rarely fungi. The pneumococcal vaccine protects against a specific bacterium that causes illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and septicaemia. While these infections can occur throughout the year, cases rise rapidly during the winter months – especially among vulnerable populations.
Unlike other vaccines, you don't need repeated injections. Aside from babies, children and adults only require 1 dose.
The NHS recommends the pneumococcal vaccine to:
Everyone aged 65 and over.
Individuals with chronic health conditions, including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system.
Babies and young children, who receive a different version of the vaccine as part of their routine immunisations.
Accessing the Pneumococcal Vaccine
Eligible individuals can receive their pneumococcal vaccine through their GP or local NHS clinics. If you're not eligible for the free NHS vaccine, private options are available.
COVID Winter Booster
Alongside the influenza vaccine, the NHS is offering a new COVID-19 winter booster as part of their winter vaccinations. Announced in August 2024, the autumn COVID winter booster aims to protect against new variants, forming a standard part of the annual vaccination schedule for vulnerable groups.
The COVID winter booster is recommended for:
People aged 65 and over.
Those with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
Frontline health and social care workers.
Pregnant women and those living in care homes.
Accessing the COVID Winter Booster
As with other winter vaccinations, the COVID winter booster is available through your GP, local vaccination centres, and participating pharmacies. The NHS should provide details on how to book an appointment – either through direct invitations or via the NHS online booking system.
Not eligible for a COVID-19 winter booster? Currently, there's no information available about the potential for private vaccinations.
RSV Vaccine
Read more about the new Respiratory Syncitial Virus vaccine in our latest blog...
How to Keep Warm During the Colder Months
Staying healthy during the cold winter months is more than just getting your flu jab. Safeguard your immune system by keeping warm and taking the right preventative measures.
Here are some tips to warm up throughout winter:
Home Heating Tips
Warmth in winter begins at home. Given the rise in energy prices over the past few years (as well as the UK government suspending winter fuel payments), it can get extremely expensive to heat your home during the winter months.
One potential solution is a portable heater. Use these heaters wisely, as they can become even more expensive than conventional heating. However, if used to heat a small space at an appropriate temperature, they can be highly effective.
Other options include hot water bottles and electric blankets, which can both provide tremendous warmth – especially when combined with blankets and jumpers. Then, there are more holistic solutions, such as insulating windows with thermal curtains or window film to retain heat and draught excluders to prevent cold air from entering from outside.
Dressing for Warmth
Layering your clothing is the most sensible (and cheapest) option. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, adding insulating middle layers (like fleece or wool), and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer if you're leaving the house.
Choose materials like wool, thermal fabrics, and down that provide excellent insulation. Don't forget to add warm accessories – think hats, scarves, and gloves.
Diet and Exercise
Indoor exercise is a fantastic way to boost your circulation and maintain body heat. Simple activities like stretching or light workouts make a world of difference.
Of course, just as your heater burns fuel, so does your body. Keep well-fuelled with healthy, hearty meals like stew, chilli, or other winter warmers. Just make sure you're getting sustained energy in the form of whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A well-balanced diet also supports your immune system, helping fight off infections.
Accessing Community Resources
Local communities are all too aware of the challenges people face staying warm in winter. Look for local support services such as warm spaces, community centres, and charities. These organisations often provide assistance with heating costs or distribute warm clothing and blankets.
Some areas even have subsidised schemes for home insulation or heating repairs. You never know what's available until you take a closer look.
Looking After Others
If you're in the fortunate position that you're warm all winter, think of those who are struggling. Elderly relatives and neighbours often struggle through these months. Providing help and support is always appreciated. For example, you could collect shopping or prescriptions, apply for schemes on their behalf, or set up a heating system. A little care and attention go a long way.
Final Thoughts
Winter vaccinations, including the flu jab, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID winter booster, are essential for protecting vulnerable groups such as older adults, those with chronic conditions, and pregnant women.
High vaccination rates are essential to limit the spread of illnesses like flu, pneumonia, and COVID-19, reducing strain on healthcare services.
Vaccines are accessible through the NHS and private providers, ensuring that at-risk individuals can stay protected during the winter months.
Staying vaccinated helps keep yourself and your community healthy throughout the colder season.
Remember, if you're not eligible for a free NHS vaccination, you can still get your flu jab. Book your flu vaccination via Health Klinix today (we’ve got them in stock now!).
References
Written by:
Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Reviewed and approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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