Posted on: 8 January 2026
West Yorkshire residents are being urged to get COVID‑19 and flu vaccines before programmes close.
With colder weather and respiratory viruses still circulating, getting protected remains one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of serious illness and pressure on local health services.
The COVID‑19 autumn/winter 2025/26 programme ends on 31 January 2026, and the flu vaccination offer remains open until 31 March 2026.
This winter, COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
The flu vaccination is being offered to children and pregnant women, everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care staff.
The NHS National Booking Service on the NHS website is open for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services.
Check if you’re eligible on the NHS website www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.
Dr. James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. Those who are eligible are encouraged to book appointments for their jabs as soon as possible, to help protect themselves and their loved ones.
With the COVID‑19 window closing at the end of January and flu continuing to the end of March, we’re asking everyone who’s eligible across West Yorkshire to book their jabs now.”
Last winter NHS services experienced a mix of seasonal viruses including COVID-19, flu, norovirus and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is why the NHS has issued a call for pregnant women to come forward for their RSV jabs to help protect their babies due this winter against respiratory viruses. Vaccinations against flu, whooping cough and RSV are recommended by the NHS for pregnant women and are proven to be safe for mothers and babies.
Pregnant mums from 28 weeks onwards can access the RSV jab through their maternity services, or alongside older adults aged 75 to 79, via their local GP practice or community pharmacy.
You can also find out more about vaccinations on the Together We Can website togetherwe-can.com