St Helens borough residents urged to book flu jab as NHS prepares early for winter pressures
St Helens Borough Council Public Health is encouraging eligible residents to book their flu vaccination as soon as they are invited, as preparations for winter begin earlier than ever.
Article date: 21 August 2026
Flu can cause serious illness for children, pregnant women, older adults and people living with certain long-term health conditions. In some cases, it can lead to hospitalisation, severe respiratory complications and even death.
Last year, around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been avoided through flu vaccination, with nearly 19 million people receiving their flu jab across England.
The vaccine is usually given as an injection, while most children will be offered a quick and painless nasal spray vaccine.
The national booking system is now open, allowing eligible people, those aged 65 and over, adults in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, people who are in close contact with immunocompromised individuals, frontline health and care workers, pregnant women and 2-3 year old children, to pre-book their flu vaccinations.
The flu vaccination programme will commence with pregnant women and children from Tuesday 1 September and additional eligible groups will begin receiving vaccinations from Thursday 1 October.
Residents will be able to receive their vaccination at a range of convenient locations across St Helens, including GP practices and participating community pharmacies. School aged children will be offered their vaccination in school.
Professor Rod Thomson, Interim Director of Public Health for St Helens, said:
"I would encourage everyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccination to take up the offer as soon as they are invited.
"Flu is a very serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and those living with long-term health conditions. Vaccination provides the best protection and helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
"By getting vaccinated, you're not only protecting yourself but also helping to protect your family, friends and the wider community."
Councillor Eileen Fleming, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at St Helens Borough Council, added:
"Getting your flu vaccination is one of the simplest and most effective steps you can take to stay well this winter.
"Every year, flu places significant pressure on health and care services, and we know it can have a serious impact on some of our most vulnerable residents.
"I would urge everyone who is eligible to book their flu jab when invited and help us keep St Helens healthy and protected throughout the winter months."
For more information about the flu vaccine and who is eligible, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/flu