Winter Health 2025
Age UK London's Winter Health campaign in partnership with the NHS addresses the health challenges faced by older Londoners during the colder months.The campaign aims to empower people to make informed decisions about their physical and mental health including accessing balanced information on winter vaccines.
Everyone aged 65 and over is eligible for the free flu vaccine and everyone over 75 is eligible for a free covid vaccination. Find out more below on who is eligible for what vaccination.
Winter Posters and Leaflets
Every year, in partnership with NHS London, Age UK London produce A5 leaflets and A3 posters for older persons organisations and network partners. You can download the poster here or contact Sharon Tynan at stynan@ageuklondon.org.uk if you would like a supply of posters.
Winter Health Leaflet
You can download a copy of the A5 leaflet here produced in partnership with the NHS or contact Sharon Tynan stynan@ageuklondon.org.uk if you would like a supply of leaflets.
As the days get shorter and we head towards winter, it’s easy to want to curl up under a blanket until spring. But staying healthy over winter doesn’t have to feel like hard work, just a few small things can keep our bodies strong and our spirits high.
Staying active and warm
Taking a short walk outside or even a few stretches at home can help to keep your joints supple and boost your mood and don’t forget that many local Age UKs across London offer free or discounted exercise classes. Eating a hot meal at least once a day is good for keeping you warm and well. Soup or stew full of vegetables, or maybe a bowl of porridge in the morning. Some people don’t like eating alone so it’s worth finding out about any lunch clubs or social clubs by checking with your local London borough Age UK. Our bodies tend to regulate temperature less efficiently as we age so it’s always a good idea to wear several thin layers of clothes rather than one thick item as the layers trap the heat better and keep our body heat in.
Protecting ourselves against illness
Viruses spread more easily in colder months because we tend to spend more time indoors and as we age, our immune system becomes less efficient at protecting us. Make sure to take up any free vaccines that you are eligible for, and don’t hesitate to contact your GP or local Pharmacist if you’re not feeling well, you can call the free NHS national vaccine helpline 📞 119 or book online here nhs.uk/bookflu
Dr Oge's Winter Health Presentationtation
London GP Dr Oge Ilozue has created an informative presentation which explains how you can stay well over the winter months and why it's important to get vaccinated against flu and other illnesses at this time of year. Dr Oge also explains who is eligible. It's a great at-a-glance overview of everything you should know.
Most frequently asked questions on flu and the flu vaccine
Local GP's Dr Oge Ilozue and Dr Tehseen Khan answer some of the frequently asked questions on flu and the flu vaccines
Who is eligible for what this winter?
Who is eliglible for what this winter?
- Everyone aged 65 and over can have a flu jab. Flu can be particularly serious and cause complications such as pneumonia
- If you are 65 and over you are also eligible for a one-off pneumococcal vaccine protecting you for life against infections like pneumonia.
- People aged 70, 78 or 79 are also eligible for a single vaccine to prevent shingles, a common and painful skin disease.
- People aged 75 to 79 (or turned 80 after 1 Sept 2024) are eligible for a free RSV vaccine protecting against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. It usually gets better by itself, but can cause pneumonia or bronchiolitis and make symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- This year people only people aged 75 and over will be eligible for the Covid winter vaccine so unlike last year if you are aged 65–74 and not immunosuppressed, you will no longer be eligible. The focus is on delivering protection where it’s most needed. If your immune system is weakened because of illness or treatment, you may still be eligible even if you are younger. The change highlights the importance of checking current guidance each year, rather than assuming everything stays the same.
The NHS is already seeing many potentially serious viruses circulating in our communities including flu, and getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far our best defence. All these vaccines have been rigorously tested & constantly monitored and the benefits of having vaccinations far outweigh any risk. It’s completely understandable to have questions or concerns but beware as there is so much misinformation out there. So, if you do have any concerns, please speak to a trusted healthcare professional like your GP, pharmacist, practice nurse, health visitor or consultant, all of whom can provide evidence-based information.
Dr Oge Ilozue, London GP explains why you need to keep your vaccinations up to date every year.
During our health events Dr Oge covers many topics and explains how to stay healthy both in the winter and as we go into spring. The topics covered are varied from preparing a healthy breakfast and eating the rainbow to dealing with stiff joints and retaining mobility. You can also find out why you should have a flu vaccination in Dr Oge's video here.
You can view all our health advice videos with Dr Oge on our YouTube channel here.