The UK Health Security Agency is calling on people celebrating Diwali who are eligible to come forward for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations so they are protected during the festival and through winter. In a news story published on 30 October 2026, the agency said vaccine protection can take several days to reach its maximum, so earlier vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness ahead of Diwali and later in winter.

Levels of the three major winter respiratory viruses are currently low, but the agency said flu usually increases during November. It linked winter risk to more time spent socialising indoors in enclosed, less ventilated spaces. Eligible groups for the free NHS flu vaccine include people aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed people, frontline health and social care workers, children and pregnant women. The COVID-19 vaccine is offered free to people aged 75 and over, immunosuppressed individuals and residents in care homes for older adults. People aged 75 and over and pregnant women are also eligible for RSV vaccination.

The agency said children from Reception to Year 11 will be offered the flu vaccine in schools, with parents urged to complete consent forms and book appointments for eligible 2- and 3-year-olds at GP practices. Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation, said Diwali coincides with the start of winter, when flu and other respiratory viruses often circulate.