Skip to content

Age UK London urges over 65’s to protect their winter health

Published on 17 November 2025 01:02 PM

 

  • The charity is hosting an online Winter Health Event on 20th November to support older Londoners to make informed choices about their health amid fears of the worst flu season in a decade

As the colder months approach, Age UK London is urging older Londoners to protect their health, and ensure they are vaccinated, as flu cases rise with experts expecting the worst flu season in a decade.

According to NHS England, who have issued a “flu jab SOS”, the flu season has come earlier this year, and free vaccines are now available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, and residents of care homes. The NHS has made over 2.4 million flu appointments available to eligible people which also includes pregnant women and young children.

To support this effort, Age UK London is hosting a Winter Health Q&A Event on 20th November 2025, featuring expert insights from Dr Oge Ilozue, London GP, and a leading voice in public health, on how older adults can stay fit and healthy this winter. The event will take place online and is part of Age UK London’s broader campaign to raise awareness about winter health risks and the importance of vaccination.

Tony Burch, retired London GP and Chair of Age UK London, said:  “Winter can be a challenging time for older people, especially with the added risks of flu and covid.  It’s more important than ever to take extra steps to protect yourself - whether that’s getting vaccinated, staying warm, or seeking support early if you feel unwell. These small actions can make an enormous difference to your health and wellbeing.”

Age UK London has produced posters and leaflets available to older peoples' organisations, contact Sharon Tynan at stynan@ageuklondon.org.uk to order supplies.

Join Age UK London Online: Winter Health Events

    • Date: Thursday, 20th November 2025 at 11am - 1pm
    • Details: Register your details here https://bit.ly/onlinehealthevent or email Sharon Tynan at stynan@ageuklondon.org.uk 
    • Age UK London have also posted a series of videos featuring Dr Oge Ilozue sharing advice on staying healthy over the winter months, including an explanation around why it’s necessary to get a flu jab each year as the virus changes over time. You can view this and other videos here. A blog covering the frequently asked questions about vaccines is also available here. 

Editors notes:

Who Is Eligible for Vaccines?

This year, the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme is targeting the following groups of older Londoners:

  • Flu Vaccine Eligibility:
    • Adults aged 65 and over
    • Adults aged 18–64 in clinical risk groups
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility:
    • Adults aged 75 and over
    • Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
    • Please note: eligibility for flu and COVID-19 vaccines may differ, and not all individuals eligible for one are eligible for the other.

How to Book Your Vaccines

Eligible individuals can book their free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccinations through several convenient options:

  • Online:
  • NHS App: Arrange both vaccines in a single appointment.
  • Phone: Call 119 for multilingual support and booking assistance.
  • Local Pharmacies and GP Surgeries: Walk-in and scheduled appointments available.

About Age UK London
Age UK London is dedicated to improving the lives of older people across the capital. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, the charity works to make London a truly age-friendly city.