Devon residents urged to get vaccinated as winter viruses begin to spread

Public Health and NHS leaders have warned that cases are starting to increase despite unseasonably warm weather, with concerns that the spread of respiratory infections could put additional pressure on health services as winter approaches.

People eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are being encouraged to come forward as soon as possible, while everyone is being reminded to stay at home when unwell and avoid visiting hospitals and care settings if they have symptoms of infection.

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health, said that although many people would recover from respiratory infections at home, they could cause serious illness and hospitalisation among vulnerable groups.

"Despite the weather being unseasonably warm outside we are already seeing flu and other winter viruses begin to circulate more widely in our communities. While many people will experience a self-limiting illness that can be managed at home, for some people, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant women and those living with long-term health conditions, these infections can lead to serious illness and hospitalisation.

"The good news is that there are simple and effective steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others. If you're eligible for a flu or COVID-19 vaccination, please come forward and get vaccinated. If you're unwell, stay at home where possible and avoid contact with people who may be at greater risk.

"Small actions such as washing your hands regularly, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping rooms well-ventilated can make a real difference. Together, these measures help reduce the spread of infection and protect the people in our communities who are most vulnerable."

Who can get a free vaccination?

Flu vaccination remains an important way of reducing the risk of serious illness. The previous winter's flu vaccination programme is estimated to have prevented more than 100,000 hospital admissions and more than 7,000 deaths across England.

Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine this autumn include people aged 65 and over, including anyone who will reach 65 by March 31, 2027, and adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions.

Pregnant women can receive the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. Other eligible groups include care home residents, people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person or receive Carer's Allowance, and people living with someone who has a weakened immune system.

People aged 16 and over experiencing homelessness, including those staying in hostels or shelters, are also eligible. Frontline health and social care workers can access vaccination through their employers.

Children are also being offered free flu vaccination, usually through a quick nasal spray. This includes children aged two or three on August 31, 2026, schoolchildren from Reception to Year 11, and children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions. Some pharmacies can also vaccinate children aged two and over who have eligible health conditions.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available free this autumn to adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and anyone aged six months and over with a weakened immune system.

People eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can usually receive them at the same appointment.

Vaccinations can be booked through the NHS website or NHS App, at participating pharmacies or through a GP practice. Anyone unable to book online can call 119 free of charge.

Simple steps can help prevent infections

Alongside vaccination, residents are being encouraged to follow basic hygiene measures to limit the spread of flu, COVID-19 and other infections.

These include washing hands regularly with warm, soapy water, catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and disposing of it immediately, and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated where possible.

People who have respiratory symptoms and need to enter a crowded indoor environment are also advised to consider wearing a face covering.

Anyone developing symptoms of a respiratory illness, particularly a fever, or who is generally feeling unwell, should stay at home where possible and avoid close contact with others.

Extra care is urged around older people, babies, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions, who may be at greater risk of complications.

Hospitals urge caution over visiting

The NHS is also asking people to think carefully before visiting friends or relatives in hospitals and care homes if they feel unwell, to reduce the risk of infections spreading to vulnerable patients and residents.

Anyone who has experienced diarrhoea or vomiting should wait until they have been free of symptoms for at least 48 hours before visiting a hospital or care home.

Mel Burden, Consultant Nurse and Joint Director of Infection Prevention and Control (Eastern), said winter viruses could have significant consequences for hospitals, affecting both patients and the delivery of services.

"Every winter we see the impact that flu and other viruses can have in our hospitals. Patients who are older, frail, immunocompromised or living with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to becoming seriously unwell from respiratory infections.

“Outbreaks of respiratory infections on our wards can mean closing beds, postponing planned operations and patients, staff and visitors becoming unwell themselves, at the time of year when we need every bed and every member of staff the most. That's also why we're encouraging all our own staff to get their flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine if eligible.

"We would ask anyone who is feeling unwell to think carefully before visiting hospitals or care settings, and to follow any infection prevention advice provided. Getting vaccinated and taking sensible precautions when unwell are among the best ways to protect patients, loved ones and NHS colleagues."