Flu cases have fallen – but risk remains

Flu cases across the region have started to decline and hospital admissions have reduced. Despite this progress, we still want everyone who qualifies for a free flu vaccine to book their appointment.

Although numbers have dropped in Lincolnshire and surrounding areas, flu continues to circulate. The virus spreads easily indoors, and many people spent extended time inside over Christmas. That close contact allowed flu to pass quickly between families and friends.

Vaccination offers the best protection

Simple steps such as washing your hands thoroughly and keeping rooms well ventilated can limit the spread of infection. However, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself and others from flu.

In Lincolnshire, uptake among people aged 65 and over remains strong. We now want to see higher uptake in other eligible groups, particularly children and those aged over 85.

New MMRV vaccine added to childhood schedule

From 1 January 2026, we added the MMRV vaccine to the routine childhood vaccination programme. This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, and it replaces the previous MMR vaccine.

Children will receive two doses: the first at 12 months and the second at 18 months. This schedule applies to children who turn one from January 2026 onwards.

Catch-up programme for older children

We will also run a catch-up programme for children aged 3 years and 4 months to under 6 years on 31 December 2025. This programme will run from 26 November 2026 until 31 March 2028.

The updated schedule will protect around 500,000 children each year. We have brought the second MMR dose forward from 3 years and 4 months to 18 months for children who reach 18 months on or after 1 January 2026. This change will increase uptake and provide earlier protection, which is especially important following recent measles outbreaks.

Two doses will also give long-term protection against chickenpox and reduce complications, as well as time away from nursery or school.

How to access vaccinations

Your GP practice will usually contact you around your child’s first birthday and again at 18 months. If your child has missed a dose, your GP practice and, in some cases, your child’s school can arrange a catch-up appointment.

For more information, visit Grab a Jab – vaccinations – Lincolnshire ICB.