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Get your flu vaccine this winter

By: RCOT 21 September, 2026 News 3 minute read

Protect yourself, your colleagues, your communities and the people you support

Last winter, England's flu vaccination programme is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations and 7,000 deaths.

However, flu is highly unpredictable and getting vaccinated remains the best way to help ensure optimal protection and reduce risk to yourself, friends, family, colleagues and those you support.

Find out more about the flu vaccine and eligibility

The people you support

Professor Suzanne Rastrick CBE reminds all health professionals of their important role as trusted advocates, and to use every opportunity to remind their eligible patients of the vaccination offer.

Up to 50% of flu infections are asymptomatic

In addition to protecting ourselves, we have a professional responsibility to do everything possible to protect vulnerable individuals against infection."

Professor Suzanne Rastrick CBE
Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (England)

As many as half of flu infections can occur without symptoms, meaning healthcare professionals may unknowingly pass the virus on to patients and colleagues.

Vaccination helps reduce this risk, prevents respiratory infections across all healthcare settings and supports safer care for vulnerable people.

What you can do

Employers should make the vaccine accessible for all frontline staff – if you're eligible for a flu vaccination through your employer, make sure you take up the offer as soon as possible.

Find out more about the flu vaccine and eligibility

To get more information, you can also email [email protected].