Key Points
- One in five vulnerable people in North Central London, encompassing North London areas, remain unvaccinated against flu this winter, increasing their risk of serious illness during cold months.
- NHS North Central London, covering North London, urges eligible individuals—older people, pregnant women, those with long-term conditions, children, carers, and frontline workers—to vaccinate now ahead of Christmas and New Year.
- Over 259,000 people in the region, including North London residents, have received winter vaccinations this season, though new analysis shows over 245,000 still unvaccinated from the eligible pool.
- Vaccinations available conveniently via walk-in clinics, pharmacy-based services, local GP surgeries, pop-up community clinics in December and January, and school delivery.
- Dr Jo Sauvage, GP and Chief Medical Officer for NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board, states: “We know winter is a busy time for everyone, but it really isn’t too late to get vaccinated. These vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital admission, and they also help protect the people around you. With Christmas and the New Year coming up, getting vaccinated now can make a real difference”.
- Flu programme runs from 1 September 2025 to 31 March 2026, with most doses targeted by end of November 2025; COVID-19 autumn programme to 31 January 2026.
- National Vaccination Big Week from 22-29 November 2025 boosts uptake for flu, COVID-19, and RSV via extended hours, walk-ins, and outreach.
- Eligible groups include those 65+, clinical risk groups 6 months to under 65, pregnant women, children aged 2-3 on 31 August 2025, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11), care home residents, carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed, and frontline health/social care workers.
Who Is Most at Risk from Flu in North London This Winter?
Vulnerable cohorts in North London face elevated flu dangers, with one in five yet unvaccinated. This spans elderly residents, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions across North Central London, which includes North London boroughs.
As detailed in the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) resources on their General Practice Website,
“NCL ICB has an ambitious target to increase flu vaccination uptake across North Central London in 2025-26 and values your efforts to protect at-risk patients this winter”.
Eligible groups encompass those aged 65 and over, individuals six months to under 65 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, children aged two to three on 31 August 2025, primary and secondary school-aged children, long-stay care residents, carers receiving allowances, close contacts of the immunosuppressed, and frontline health and social care workers.
New analysis from North Central London ICB, as reported by Haringey Community Press, reveals
“over 245,000 residents are still unvaccinated against flu, from a total…”
of eligibles, spotlighting the North London gap.
Why Is Vaccination Still Effective Close to Christmas in North London?
Timing holds efficacy, with vaccines building immunity within weeks to shield through peak season. North London NHS affirms:
“It’s not too late to get vaccinated ahead of Christmas and the New Year”.
The NHS North Central London ICB site notes the flu programme extends to 31 March 2026, though most doses aim for November’s end, aligning with festive urgency. Dr Jo Sauvage, GP and Chief Medical Officer, as quoted in the NHS release, adds:
“These vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and hospital admission, and they also help protect the people around you”.
National guidance from NHS England statistics confirms the Autumn/Winter 2025/26 campaign’s structure supports late uptake.
How Many in North London Have Been Vaccinated This Season?
Robust figures show 259,000 vaccinated in North Central London, including North London, yet one-in-five shortfall persists. Haringey Community Press coverage of ICB analysis states “over 245,000 residents are still unvaccinated against flu” among eligibles.
NHS North Central London encourages at-risk categories “to join the 259,000 who have already been vaccinated this winter”. This reflects strong but incomplete progress.
What Makes Vaccinations Convenient Across North London?
Multi-channel access eases uptake. Options include walk-in and pharmacy clinics, GP surgeries, pop-up sites in December and January, and school programmes.
NHS North West London ICB highlights for children aged 2 or 3:
“contact their GP surgery to book an appointment · book a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App”.
The Village Practice in London notes GP availability from 1 September 2025 for children and pregnant women, expanding 1 October.
Central and North West London NHS (CNWL) lists drop-in sessions, e.g., Tuesday 7 October 2025 at Gordon Hospital.
Which Groups in North London Qualify for Free Flu Jabs?
Broad eligibility safeguards communities. From 1 September 2025: pregnant women, children 2-3 years, school-aged (Reception-Year 11), clinical risk children 6 months-17 years; from 1 October: all other adults.
UKHSA blog specifies:
“From 1 September 2025. pregnant women; all children aged 2 and 3 years on 31 August 2025”.
The Village Practice echoes: aged 65+, long-term conditions, care home residents, main carers.
How Do North London Vaccinations Guard Against Flu and COVID-19?
Vaccines curb severe outcomes for both viruses, vital for at-risk. NHS states:
“vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect against severe illness from flu and COVID-19”.
Dr Sauvage emphasises communal protection:
“they also help protect the people around you. With Christmas and the New Year coming up, getting vaccinated now can make a real difference”.
Vaccination Big Week promotes joint flu/COVID/RSV efforts.
What Role Does National Vaccination Big Week Play in North London?
From 22-29 November 2025, this national push maximises access via extended hours, walk-ins, outreach, and social media in North Central London.
NHS North Central London ICB urges providers including GPs, pharmacies, and Trusts
“to maximise access to vaccination, engage local communities”.
When and Where Can North London Residents Get Vaccinated Now?
Act promptly: programme to 31 March 2026, best pre-winter peak. CNWL schedules include 10am-5pm sessions at St Charles Hospital, Euston Road.
NHS.uk notes:
“The last date you will be able to get your flu vaccine is 31 March 2026, but it’s best to get vaccinated sooner”.
Pop-ups enhance December access.
Why Target Christmas Timing in North London?
Holiday mixing heightens spread; pre-festive jabs avert disruptions. Dr Sauvage notes:
“We know winter is a busy time for everyone”.
NHS North Central London ties it to seasonal protection. CPE.org.uk affirms most vaccinations by November 2025 end.
