Each winter, healthcare workers have a high risk of exposure to respiratory viruses putting them at risk of illness.
This year, the flu vaccine is strongly recommended for all healthcare workers. The flu vaccine provides healthcare workers with the best available protection against the serious complications of flu infection.
Based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines for healthcare workers have changed this year. This is because healthcare workers under the age of 60 years who have no underlying medical conditions are at low risk of developing severe infection if they get COVID-19, and NIAC have updated their recommendations following a review of the evidence and international practice.
Healthcare workers aged 60 years and older or healthcare workers with underlying health conditions, including a weak immune system, are at risk of severe COVID-19 infection and are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter 2025/2026
Any healthcare worker who wishes to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter 2025/2026 can do so.