@UKHSA

Official feed of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) providing regular news updates on the work of the organisation.

 United Kingdom
gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
Joined May 2009
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Respiratory syncytial virus, better known as RSV, is a common virus that circulates during winter. While most infections are mild, RSV can cause serious illness in newborn babies & older adults. The vaccine helps protect those most at risk from becoming seriously unwell. 🛡️💉
Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine? Pregnant women, from 28 weeks, to protect your baby Older adults are eligible if you haven’t had a dose before and are aged 65 to 74 and have a long-term lung condition , including COPD and poorly controlled asthma, or a weakened immune system due to medical conditions or treatment, or aged 75 and over, or aged less than 75 and living in a care home for older adults Speak to your local GP practice, pharmacist or maternity service if you’re not sure if you’re eligible.

ALT Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine? Pregnant women, from 28 weeks, to protect your baby Older adults are eligible if you haven’t had a dose before and are aged 65 to 74 and have a long-term lung condition , including COPD and poorly controlled asthma, or a weakened immune system due to medical conditions or treatment, or aged 75 and over, or aged less than 75 and living in a care home for older adults Speak to your local GP practice, pharmacist or maternity service if you’re not sure if you’re eligible.

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👀 For more information, including a full list of eligible groups, visit our blog post. ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/11…

What is RSV and who is eligible for the vaccine?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically November to February. Most cases are mild, but RSV can be serious, especially for...

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📊 This week's #UKHSAVirusWatch graphs show flu is stable at baseline levels & COVID-19 is at low levels. 🟢Flu positivity remained stable at 6.3%, compared with 6.2% the previous week.
Positive tests (%) for flu Line chart showing flu positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Following a decline after the winter peak, positivity remained low through spring and summer before increasing in recent weeks. The latest trend shows flu positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 20 October 2025 – 18 October 2026 Source: SGSS: England only; 7-day-rolling average

ALT Positive tests (%) for flu Line chart showing flu positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Following a decline after the winter peak, positivity remained low through spring and summer before increasing in recent weeks. The latest trend shows flu positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 20 October 2025 – 18 October 2026 Source: SGSS: England only; 7-day-rolling average

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🟣COVID-19 PCR positivity in hospital settings remained stable at 8.9%, compared with 8.8% the week before. 🔵RSV is at baseline levels.
Positive tests (%) for COVID-19 Line chart showing COVID-19 positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity declined from autumn 2025 and remained relatively low for much of 2026 before increasing during late summer and early autumn. The latest trend shows COVID-19 positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 20 October 2025 – 18 October 2026 Source: USD: England only; 7-day-rolling average

ALT Positive tests (%) for COVID-19 Line chart showing COVID-19 positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity declined from autumn 2025 and remained relatively low for much of 2026 before increasing during late summer and early autumn. The latest trend shows COVID-19 positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 20 October 2025 – 18 October 2026 Source: USD: England only; 7-day-rolling average

Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV Line chart showing RSV positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity peaked during late 2025 before declining and remaining low through much of 2026. The latest trend shows RSV at baseline levels in recent weeks. Data from: 18 October 2025 – 12 October 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

ALT Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV Line chart showing RSV positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity peaked during late 2025 before declining and remaining low through much of 2026. The latest trend shows RSV at baseline levels in recent weeks. Data from: 18 October 2025 – 12 October 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

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Those eligible are reminded to come forward for a free NHS flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination. Book now through your GP or online. 🔗 Find the full report here: gov.uk/government/statistics…

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 15 October 2026 (week 42)

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Some children have an eating disorder (pica) that means that they eat items not typically thought of as food. This is different from the natural stage many young children go through of putting non-food items in their mouths. (1/2)
A child sitting outdoors surrounded by grass, with dirt on their hands and face. The text reads: "Lead-contaminated dust, soil, and paint are common sources of lead exposure in children. Children may develop an eating disorder known as pica where they eat items that are not typically thought of as food."

ALT A child sitting outdoors surrounded by grass, with dirt on their hands and face. The text reads: "Lead-contaminated dust, soil, and paint are common sources of lead exposure in children. Children may develop an eating disorder known as pica where they eat items that are not typically thought of as food."

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Because some soil and paint may contain lead, children with pica may have higher levels in their body than other children. If your child frequently eats soil or loose paint flakes you can discuss your concerns with your GP. #ILPPW2026 #InternationalLeadPoisoningAwarenessWeek
A hand holding clumps of soil with another hand picking at the dirt. Text above reads, "If your child has pica and eats soil or picks at loose paint flakes they may need a blood test."

ALT A hand holding clumps of soil with another hand picking at the dirt. Text above reads, "If your child has pica and eats soil or picks at loose paint flakes they may need a blood test."

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🫂 Looking forward to celebrating with family & friends? If you're eligible, don't forget to book your flu & COVID-19 vaccines now, so that you have enough time to build immunity. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness and keeps more people around the table 🪔✨
A lit diya (oil lamp) appears against a colourful background. Text on the image reads, "Get ready for Diwali. If you're eligible, remember to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines."

ALT A lit diya (oil lamp) appears against a colourful background. Text on the image reads, "Get ready for Diwali. If you're eligible, remember to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines."

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Feeling under the weather with a cough, sore throat or temperature?🤧🌡️ Tell us how you're feeling in our FluSurvey and help build a clearer picture of illnesses across the UK.
Image of a person coughing, surrounded by floating red dots. Text on the image says, "Help us protect your community from flu and COVID-19 infections. Join FluSurvey.net today"

ALT Image of a person coughing, surrounded by floating red dots. Text on the image says, "Help us protect your community from flu and COVID-19 infections. Join FluSurvey.net today"

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Sign up here: 🔗 flusurvey.net

FluSurvey

Help us monitor the flu and other respiratory infections in the UK today.

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Could you get a free NHS flu vaccine this winter? 💉🛡️ Maybe you're pregnant, work on the frontline in health or social care, or are aged 65 or over. Whatever eligible group you fall into, you're entitled to extra protection against the serious illness that flu can cause.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this year? pregnant women 2- and 3-year-olds (age on 31 August 2026) school aged children (from reception to year 11) people aged 65 and over people with certain long term health conditions, from 6 months to under 65s people living with somebody with a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment people sleeping rough or in hostels/shelters care home residents carers (receiving carer's allowance, or the main carer of an older or disabled person) frontline health and social care workers Speak to your local GP practice, pharmacist or maternity service if you're not sure if you're eligible.

ALT Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this year? pregnant women 2- and 3-year-olds (age on 31 August 2026) school aged children (from reception to year 11) people aged 65 and over people with certain long term health conditions, from 6 months to under 65s people living with somebody with a weakened immune system due to a medical condition or treatment people sleeping rough or in hostels/shelters care home residents carers (receiving carer's allowance, or the main carer of an older or disabled person) frontline health and social care workers Speak to your local GP practice, pharmacist or maternity service if you're not sure if you're eligible.

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If it's coming up to your first-ever reading week, whether you're hitting the books or making the most of the break, why not use some of that time to catch up with your MenB vaccine? 📖📅 🔗 Find out more: nhs.uk/book-men
How to get your MenB Vaccine Two doses are essential for protection ✓✓ If you are... Born 1 Sept 2007 to 31 Aug 2008 OR Starting university or eligible residential further education this autumn AND born on or after 21 July 2001 What to do Book online or visit a participating pharmacy Find out more at nhs.uk/book-menb

ALT How to get your MenB Vaccine Two doses are essential for protection ✓✓ If you are... Born 1 Sept 2007 to 31 Aug 2008 OR Starting university or eligible residential further education this autumn AND born on or after 21 July 2001 What to do Book online or visit a participating pharmacy Find out more at nhs.uk/book-menb

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If you're experiencing frequent UTIs during or after menopause, vaginal oestrogen may help reduce them and ease other symptoms like dryness and irritation. 💧✨ #WorldMenopauseDay
UTIs again and again? Vaginal oestrogen might help prevent frequent UTIs. If you’re experiencing menopause or are post-menopausal, talk to a healthcare professional.

ALT UTIs again and again? Vaginal oestrogen might help prevent frequent UTIs. If you’re experiencing menopause or are post-menopausal, talk to a healthcare professional.

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You can go ahead with your flu vaccine if you have a bit of a sniffle, but should postpone if you have a high temperature.🤧 If your child has a heavily blocked or runny nose, their flu vaccine nasal spray can be postponed until their nasal symptoms have cleared up.
A gradient background from green to blue. The text reads, "Did you know? Flu vaccination can go ahead if you or your child has a minor illness such as a cold, but may be delayed for illnesses that include fever." A virus icon is displayed in the bottom right corner.

ALT A gradient background from green to blue. The text reads, "Did you know? Flu vaccination can go ahead if you or your child has a minor illness such as a cold, but may be delayed for illnesses that include fever." A virus icon is displayed in the bottom right corner.

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🆕📊 The latest #UKHSAVirusWatch shows that flu and COVID-19 positivity remain at similar levels compared to last week. 🟢 Flu positivity from lab surveillance remained stable at 6.0%, compared with 6.2% in the previous week
Positive tests (%) for flu Line chart showing flu positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Following a decline after the winter peak, positivity remained low through spring and summer before increasing in recent weeks. The latest trend shows flu positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: SGSS: England only; 7-day-rolling average

ALT Positive tests (%) for flu Line chart showing flu positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Following a decline after the winter peak, positivity remained low through spring and summer before increasing in recent weeks. The latest trend shows flu positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: SGSS: England only; 7-day-rolling average

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🟣 COVID-19 positivity from lab surveillance also remained stable at 8.8%, compared with 9% in the previous week 🔵 RSV positivity from lab surveillance increased to 1% compared with 0.4% in the previous week
Positive tests (%) for COVID-19 Line chart showing COVID-19 positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity declined from autumn 2025 and remained relatively low for much of 2026 before increasing during late summer and early autumn. The latest trend shows COVID-19 positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: USD: England only; 7-day-rolling average

ALT Positive tests (%) for COVID-19 Line chart showing COVID-19 positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity declined from autumn 2025 and remained relatively low for much of 2026 before increasing during late summer and early autumn. The latest trend shows COVID-19 positivity remaining broadly stable. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: USD: England only; 7-day-rolling average

Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV Line chart showing RSV positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity peaked during late 2025 before declining and remaining low through much of 2026. The latest trend shows RSV positivity increasing in recent weeks. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

ALT Weekly positive tests (%) for RSV Line chart showing RSV positivity from October 2025 to October 2026. Positivity peaked during late 2025 before declining and remaining low through much of 2026. The latest trend shows RSV positivity increasing in recent weeks. Data from: 13 October 2025 – 11 October 2026 Source: Respiratory DataMart System; weekly percentage of tests positive; England only

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Those eligible are reminded to come forward for a free NHS flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination. Book now through your GP practice or online. 🔗 Find the full report here: gov.uk/government/statistics…

National flu and COVID-19 surveillance report: 15 October 2026 (week 42)

gov.uk
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Feeling under the weather but not sure if it’s a cold, flu, or something else?🤧🌡️ Tell us how you’re feeling in our FluSurvey and help build a clearer picture of illnesses across the UK. 🔗 flusurvey.net
A person coughing, surrounded by red circles. Text on the image reads: "FluSurvey. Help us protect your community from flu and COVID-19 infections. Join FluSurvey.net today"

ALT A person coughing, surrounded by red circles. Text on the image reads: "FluSurvey. Help us protect your community from flu and COVID-19 infections. Join FluSurvey.net today"

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Whooping cough and croup can sound different from the usual winter coughs. Would you recognise them? The best way to help protect your child is to make sure they’re up to date with their vaccinations.
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Jo's story show's the importance of getting vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy. 👶 It reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection, such as bronchiolitis, by 80% in a baby's first months of life, significantly lowering the chance of hospital admission.
ITV Wales News
@ITVWalesOct 13
Jo Goldsmith's daughter Phoebe caught RSV, a virus that affects someone's respiratory system, when she was just days old. Now she's a thriving three-year-old but mum Jo told ITV News of the lasting terror that experience has left her with. She's joined calls for more people to take up the RSV jab, which is free for pregnant people, over-75s and now over-65s with immunosuppression or chronic respiratory disease.
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