Dr Jonathan Anderson
Executive Director, Medical Affairs, CSL Seqirus
Seasonal flu costs the UK £644 million annually, but ensuring we reach the most vulnerable with the recommended vaccines could make all the difference.1
In the UK, flu places a significant strain on people and health services every winter.2 As Christmas approaches and the weather cools, indoor gatherings raise the risk of infection.3 While COVID raised awareness of the risks of respiratory illnesses and the ways it transmits among people, many still underestimate the impact of flu.
Keeping healthy this Christmas
As the flu virus is constantly changing, it presents a unique challenge for prevention, requiring continuous global monitoring and annual vaccine strain updates to match circulating influenza strains.4 Every year, the World Health Organization (WHO) meets to recommend which influenza strains should be included in seasonal flu vaccines based on the latest surveillance data.5 For many people, flu can be short-lived, but for those who are at increased risk, such as the elderly, those with chronic health conditions or with weakened immune systems, it can sometimes be severe, leading to complications, hospitalisation or even death.6
It’s important for vulnerable groups to get vaccinated and to adopt behaviours to help stop the spread of germs. Children are notorious super-spreaders, likely to catch and spread flu. Meanwhile, older adults (65 years and older) who are especially vulnerable to the impact of flu have immune systems less capable of staging a strong defence.7
‘Protecting those most at risk of influenza and reducing pressure on the NHS at a busy time of year starts with protecting ourselves and those we care for through vaccination,’ said Jacqueline Walker, Operational Director for Covid-19 and Influenza Vaccination Programmes, NHS England, London.
Healthy habits to prevent the spread of flu
Every eligible person vaccinated against the flu can help slow the spread of the virus and lessen the impact for when families come together for Christmas.8,9 Handwashing, staying home when unwell, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and ventilating indoor gatherings add extra layers of protection, but vaccination remains the most effective measure to prevent severe disease and maintain public health through winter.4
Vaccines Matter
The UK has a robust vaccination programme and strong uptake, but continuing momentum matters as Christmas approaches. Getting vaccinated at a local pharmacy or GP typically takes only a short time and is free for many eligible groups, including people aged 65 and over, those with certain long-term conditions and those who are pregnant.
Acting now may lower the chance of cancelling travel, missing work or school plays or postponing Christmas gatherings. Ask your GP or pharmacist for further information.
Date of preparation: November 2025 | GBR-NOPR-25-0066
[1] Romanelli, Robert J et al. “The Societal and Indirect Economic Burden of Seasonal Influenza in the United Kingdom.” Rand health quarterly vol. 10,4 2. 15 Sep. 2023
[2] UKHSA. Influenza in the UK, annual epidemiological report: winter 2024 to 2025, Figure 28. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/influenza-in-the-uk-annual-epidemiological-report-winter-2024-to-2025/influenza-in-the-uk-annual-epidemiological-report-winter-2024-to-2025 [Accessed Nov 2025].
[3]GOVUK. Christmas saw anticipated rise in flu, latest UKHSA data shows. Available online: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/christmas-saw-anticipated-rise-in-flu-latest-ukhsa-data-shows [Accessed Nov 2025]
[4] WHO. Global Influenza Programme, Vaccines. Available online: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/vaccines [Accessed Nov 2026]
[5]WHO. Global Influenza Programme, Recommendations for influenza vaccine composition. Available online: https://www.who.int/teams/global-influenza-programme/vaccines/who-recommendations [Accessed Nov 2025]
[6] CDC. Influenza, People at Increased Risk for Flu Complications. Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm [Accessed Nov 2025]
[7] National Institute of Health. Influenza in Children. Available online: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7778215/ [Accessed Nov 2025].
[8] CDC. Flu and People 65 Years and Older. Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm [Accessed Nov 2025].
[9] NHS Inform. Flu vaccine. Available online: https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/flu-vaccine/ [Accessed Nov 2025].
[10] Carers UK. Flu Jabs. Available online: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/your-health-and-wellbeing/flu-jabs/ [Accessed Nov 2025]
[11] NHS. Flu vaccine. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/ [Accessed Nov 2025].
