Release date: 11 December 2025
People in West Sussex are being encouraged to get their flu vaccine ahead of the festive season as the number of flu patients in hospital hits a record high in England for this time of year.
The NHS nationally is warning that the country is facing an unprecedented flu season.
Health leaders in West Sussex County Council are joining colleagues nationwide by advising that vaccination is the best way for people to protect themselves against the virus.
Flu can have serious consequences, and the vaccine is particularly important for those at higher risk including over 65s, pregnant women, people with long-term health conditions and young children.
People in at-risk groups can get the free NHS flu vaccine from their GP practice or local pharmacy. Visit the NHS website to check if you’re eligible and to book an appointment. If you are eligible, you can also book your vaccine via the NHS App, visit Book free NHS flu vaccination, call 119, or contact your GP practice or pharmacy.
Those not eligible for the free vaccination can still purchase one from participating pharmacies.
Councillor Bob Lanzer, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "It’s important to keep ourselves well during the colder months with a number of winter viruses circulating and when we naturally spend more time indoors. If you’re eligible for a free flu vaccine, please take up the offer as soon as possible. Acting now will help protect you and your loved ones through the festive season and help protect our health and social care services, as it takes around two weeks to become fully effective.”
Alison Challenger, West Sussex Director of Public Health, said: "The flu is a debilitating illness which can have potentially serious consequences for those in high-risk groups, including people with long-term conditions such as diabetes, respiratory conditions, neurological diseases and heart, kidney and liver disease. A significant number of our residents who are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination have taken up the offer already. The flu vaccine is still the best protection for you and those around you. If you haven’t had yours yet, now is the time to act and build your immunity.”
Flu viruses are spread by breathing in droplets from coughs and sneezes from an infected person or from touching surfaces on which those viruses have landed then touching their face and mouth. Taking care to follow good hand and respiratory hygiene is key to not passing on or picking up the virus. Symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in joints and muscles and extreme tiredness.
