Following the first NHS/VCSE winter webinar held in September, which many of you attended, we would like to update you on our winter plan. We’ll detail the progress being made on key programmes of work, and how you can get involved and support our communities to stay well this winter.
Please do make use of the resources below and also the reporting form where relevant. If you have any ideas for what you’d like to hear from us this winter and what would be most helpful for you, please let us know via the email address below.
We also share a weekly news update with all the latest stories and updates for partners across Hampshire and Isle of Wight and beyond. If you’d like to be added to the list please email the team at hiowicb-hsi.communications@nhs.net
Operational update – countdown to winter
For NHS operational teams, the winter period officially starts on November 1st and runs through to spring next year, though we are already experiencing increased demand across the health and care system.
This October we’re finalising details of our winter plans, working with all our providers and local authorities to ensure we are well prepared as a system. We’ll keep you updated on progress of key programmes of work such as flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and work to support people to access the care they need in the community.
COVID-19 and flu vaccination programmes off to flying start
Over 109,000 people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have received their COVID-19 vaccination since the campaign launched on 1 October, putting us first in the country for vaccination uptake.
Having a COVID-19 vaccination may not stop people from becoming ill but they can help keep symptoms mild, reducing pressure on hospitals throughout winter months.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination this Autumn have changed from last year. This time round, the eligible groups are:
• adults aged 75 years and over
• residents in a care home for older adults
• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book)
You can get the winter flu vaccine if you:
• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• children aged 2-3 years, school age children (reception to year 11) and those at clinical risk
• frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
If you’re not sure if you or your child has a condition that means you’re eligible for the vaccination, or you need help with booking an appointment, then the NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline team will be able to help by calling 0300 561 0018.
More information on eligibility is also available from the NHS website.
Vaccination campaign communication and engagement resources now available
One of the most important things people can do to protect themselves and those around them from serious illness winter is to ensure they get their winter vaccines when eligible.
We are pleased to be able to share the first phase of campaign resources to promote vaccinations to our communities. The winter vaccinations toolkit was produced following focus groups with communities facilitated by Action Hampshire. It includes:
• Images outlining eligibility and how to book autumn winter/vaccines for adults
• 2-3 year olds ‘flu fighters’ campaign resources
• Social media graphics aimed at parents of 2-3 year olds on a Diwali and also a Halloween theme for use this October
• A video from a local practice nurse promoting vaccines
Visit our Campaigns Centre to download the toolkit under ‘Vaccination Campaigns > Winter 2025-26’
We are now in the process of getting print and translated resources ready for distribution within communities. If there was any resource or format that you would find helpful to help promote in your community please get in touch with the team at hiowicb-hsi.communications@nhs.net.
We are also working on a toolkit to help promote self-care over winter, including community pharmacy and other support. We will share these in a future update once finalised.
Report insights and raise issues with us using the ‘Situation Report’
We have worked with HIVCA to set up a new reporting system for community partners to enable you to report issues and share intelligence with our teams.
This is a “report by exception” process, so please only complete it if issues arise that you feel may provide useful insights over the winter period. For example, if your service is experiencing a steep increase in activity, or there is a significant rise in food bank referrals in a particular area.
The purpose of this reporting system is to help NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight identify emerging pressures and coordinate proactive responses where needed.
Written By: HIVCA
