Flu vaccine urged to reduce the risk of serious illness for vulnerable people
Public Health experts are urging people with long-term health conditions to take up their flu vaccination this winter to help protect them from serious illness.
Flu, (also known as influenza) can be serious, particularly for people with certain health conditions such as asthma and diabetes which makes them more vulnerable to serious complications as a result of the flu virus.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is urging anyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccine to take up the offer, to protect themselves and others from serious illness this winter.
Adults with chronic liver disease are over 48 times more likely to experience serious outcomes from flu, while those with weakened immune systems face a risk more than 45 times higher than the general population.
The flu vaccine is offered every year to help protect those most at risk of serious illness. It is especially important for older adults, health and social care workers, young children and pregnant women as flu in pregnancy can have serious health impacts for both pregnant women and babies.
Nearly a million people in Wales get vaccinated every year to protect themselves and their loved ones against flu. Last year, nearly 200,000 people with conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD and heart disease protected themselves by getting their flu vaccine in Wales.
More than 10,000 pregnant women in Wales also got their flu vaccine last year to help protect themselves and their babies.
Flu vaccination lowers the risk of infection, reduces the severity of illness, helps protect vulnerable groups from serious complications and decreases the likelihood of spreading the illness to others.
Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include people aged 65 years and older, people aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition, health and social care workers, carers, pregnant women and people living in care homes.
Children aged two and three (on 31 August 2025) are eligible, and primary school and secondary school children (reception to year 11) are also eligible for a flu vaccine. To help protect your child from serious illness, give your consent for them to have their flu vaccine.
Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales said: “There are things we can do to help prevent the spread of winter bugs, as well as protecting ourselves. Vaccination remains the most effective tool against flu, but simple hygiene measures like washing hands regularly, and staying home if you are unwell, also help prevent infections that can be very serious for some people.
“Last year, flu season started early and continued through the winter, adding pressure to the health and care system and impacting the delivery of medical services. Don’t delay getting your vaccinations when invited, give yourself the best protection for the season ahead.”
For more information about how to get your flu vaccine, please visit our flu vaccine page.
You can also visit our immunisation and vaccines section for more information.
21/10/2025