INFLUENZA A (H3N2) is a strain of flu that typically causes more severe illness in older people and in care settings.

More than 700,000 flu vaccines have already been delivered in Wales, but Public Health Wales is encouraging everyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated to take up the offer as soon as possible. Nearly a million people in Wales get vaccinated each year, making it a routine part of staying well over winter.

The call comes alongside Public Health Wales’ Winter Well-being: Shared Actions and Impact report, which outlines practical steps to help vulnerable people stay healthy, warm and safe throughout the colder months. Here are seven practical ways to protect yourself this winter

  1. Get vaccinated Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines help protect those most at risk from severe illness. The H3N2 strain predominant this year is linked with more complications in older people making timely vaccination especially important.
  2. Make a winter well-being planPeople with long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease are encouraged to plan ahead knowing what to do if symptoms worsen, keeping an emergency contact list, and ensuring heating and medication are in order.
  3. Prepare a small emergency kit Having essentials such as a torch, radio, phone power bank and bottled water can improve safety and reduce anxiety if travel becomes difficult or during severe weather.
  4. Keep warm and well at home Heat rooms you use most to at least 18°C, wear layers, eat warm meals and use draught excluders. These simple actions help maintain body temperature and reduce strain on the heart and lungs.
  5. Know how to get the right care at the right time Use NHS 111 online, community pharmacies for minor illnesses, and order repeat prescriptions early before the festive period.
  6. Stay connected and look out for others Shorter days and colder weather can increase loneliness, low mood and social isolation. Checking in with neighbours, family and friends can make a significant difference—especially for older people living alone.
  7. Take everyday steps to prevent infection Catching coughs and sneezes in tissues, handwashing, letting fresh air in, and staying home when unwell all help reduce the spread of winter viruses. Consider wearing a mask when unwell to help reduce the risk of passing on the illness to others.

Flu can be serious, particularly for people with certain health conditions including asthma and diabetes which make them more vulnerable to serious complications because of influenza viruses.

Adults with chronic liver disease are over 48 times more likely to experience serious outcomes from flu, while those with weakened immune systems face a risk more than 45 times higher than the general population.

Flu vaccination is one of the ways we can support people with long-term health conditions, helping prevent illness, catch problems early, and make sure care meets people’s needs.

Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) at Public Health Wales, said:

“This winter we are seeing high levels of Influenza A (H3N2), a strain that can be particularly serious for older people and those in residential care.

“Taking small, practical steps now can make a big difference in keeping ourselves and each other well.

“Protection from previous vaccination fades over time, which is why the flu vaccine is updated every year to match circulating strains and give people the best protection.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have, it’s quick, safe and gives protection within 14 days. With more than 600,000 flu vaccines already delivered in Wales, we strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to take up their offer as soon as possible.

“Many people will also be eligible for other vaccinations that help prevent infections that are more common in the winter, including COVID-19 and RSV. Together, these vaccines provide the best protection against the viruses which put many people in hospital and place pressure on NHS resources this winter.”

Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include people aged 65 years and older, people aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition, health and social care workers, carers, pregnant women and people living in care homes.

Children aged two and three (on August 31, 2025) are eligible, and primary school and secondary school children (reception to year 11) are also eligible for a flu vaccine. To help protect your child from serious illness, give your consent for them to have their flu vaccine.

For more information about how to get your vaccines, visit the Public Health Wales website here.