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UK households are being urged to get a crucial jab - or risk 'pneumonia, sepsis, or death'. This season's flu jabs are available for pick up from the NHS until March 2026, but experts are warning people to take them sooner rather than later. Dr Jeff Foster, medical director of Manual.co , said: "From a personal perspective, this means that you are immune earlier and so are protected before the main bulk of the yearly disease spreads. "Simply your risk of getting sick and flu goes down if you are already vaccinated. The second reason is that this helps herd immunity . READ MORE State pensioners getting second £200 payment on top of Winter Fuel Allowance "The more people that have vaccinated the harder it is for the virus to spread and that means that vulnerable people are less likely to catch the disease badly or at all if they were unable to be vaccinated themselves." He added: "It is important for all those eligible to be vaccinated because it will simply decrease their risk of getting severe flu which can lead to pneumonia, sepsis and even death. "50 children died last year as a result of flu, and over 7,000 adults. This number could be radically reduced if they were vaccinated. "Proper flu is not just a bad cough or cold. It is a potentially life-threatening illness for those who are a greater risk." Mr Foster concluded: "Some of those groups that are missed out, include those either socially isolated, those from ethnic minority backgrounds who may not be able to access healthcare as easily or be familiar with how the NHS systems work." You are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by March 31, 2026). You have certain long-term health conditions. Are pregnant. Live in a care home. Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance. Live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
