Article · Health news

UKHSA urges vaccination before Diwali

Health news Published · sources checked

On 30 October 2026 UKHSA asked eligible people celebrating Diwali to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines before the festivities, saying the vaccines can take several days to provide maximum protection.

Key points

  • UKHSA published the message on 30 October 2026 for people celebrating Diwali who are eligible for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines.
  • UKHSA says the vaccines can take several days to provide maximum protection.
  • UKHSA notes that children can have the free flu vaccine at school, or a nasal vaccine at a participating pharmacy.

What was announced

UKHSA is calling on eligible people who celebrate Diwali to come forward for flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines before the festival. It says the vaccines can take several days to give maximum protection, so earlier is better.

The agency also says indoor gatherings in enclosed spaces with less ventilation can help airborne viruses spread.

What it means

UKHSA points out that eligible children can have the free flu vaccine at school, and that this year children can also have the nasal flu vaccine at a participating pharmacy. It adds that pregnant women and people aged 75 and over can have the RSV vaccine.

Not everyone is eligible for every vaccine, and the groups named above are those the release mentions. This site's influenza vaccine page describes the flu vaccine.

More guides and news

Educational content. This article summarises public guidance and announcements in plain English for education. It is not medical advice and it cannot say what is right for you: speak to a clinician about your own health, call NHS 111 if you are unsure what to do and 999 in an emergency.