NHS Somerset has announced the rollout of its winter vaccination program, urging those eligible to get their flu, Covid-19, and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) jabs. Health officials warn that these illnesses can have serious consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups and healthcare workers who risk severe illness and may be unable to work.
Caroline Upton, Vaccination Service Lead for Somerset, emphasized the significance of vaccination:
“Every winter, flu, Covid, and RSV severely impact our communities and hospitals. Over the past couple of winters, 1,780 Somerset residents were hospitalized due to these viruses, with some tragically losing their lives.”
She added, “Vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones, and it only takes a few minutes. By getting vaccinated, you reduce your risk of serious illness and help safeguard the NHS and healthcare workers.”
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Appointments for Covid and flu vaccinations open on September 1, with most vaccinations starting October 1. Eligible individuals may receive invitations via text, letter, or the NHS App. Bookings can also be made online at the NHS website. Vaccines will be offered at GP surgeries, pharmacies, and vaccination clinics across Somerset.
Eligibility from September 1 includes:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 or 3 years as of August 31, 2025
- Primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11)
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 in clinical risk groups
From October 2025, eligibility extends to:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Adults aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups as defined by the Green Book
- Residents of long-stay care homes
- Carers receiving carer’s allowance or main carers of elderly/disabled persons
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- All frontline healthcare workers, including clinical and non-clinical staff
- Frontline social care workers without employer-led occupational health schemes
Additional vaccine eligibility includes:
- Adults 75 years and older
- Care home residents for older adults
- Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months and over, as defined by the UK Health Security Agency
RSV vaccine is available for:
- Pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation
- Adults aged 75 to 79 years (including those turning 75 or 80 after September 1, 2024)
Besides vaccinations, a range of support is available to help Somerset residents stay healthy over winter, including Household Grants for low-income families, Warm Hubs offering advice and social support, access to food banks and food clubs, assistance managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, lifestyle support through organizations like SASP offering exercise classes and walking groups, and community pharmacies providing prescriptions and support for common conditions.
Contact your GP today to book your appointment and stay protected this winter.