The decrease in flu cases across the region, including in Lincolnshire, is encouraging. However, there is still a significant number of cases circulating. Flu spreads particularly well indoors, and many of us spent much of the Christmas break inside, which has contributed to the ongoing transmission.
Alongside simple steps like washing your hands properly and keeping rooms well ventilated, getting vaccinated is still the best way to give yourself the strongest possible protection against flu.
In Lincolnshire, uptake of the flu vaccine continues to be strong among people aged 65 and over, but we are eager to ensure that other eligible groups—especially children and those aged over 85—are protected too.
In addition, the new year brings the new MMRV vaccine, which was added to the routine childhood schedule from 1 January 2026. This vaccine protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, and will replace the current MMR vaccine.
The MMRV vaccine comes in two doses—one at 12 months and another at 18 months—for children turning one from January 2026. A catch-up programme will offer doses to older children, those aged 3 years and 4 months to under 6 years (as of 31 December 2025), between 26 November 2026 and 31 March 2028.
The updated programme is expected to protect around half a million children each year. Bringing the second dose of the MMR part of the MMRV vaccine forward from 3 years 4 months to 18 months for children turning 18 months on or after 1 January 2026 will help improve uptake and provide earlier protection, which is particularly important following recent measles outbreaks. Two doses will also offer long-lasting immunity against chickenpox, reducing complications and time missed from school or nursery.
GP surgeries will usually invite you for your child’s first dose of MMRV around their first birthday and for a second around 18 months. Older children who missed doses will be able to receive them through their GP or possibly their school.
For more information, please visit the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) website pages: Grab a Jab – vaccinations – Lincolnshire ICB and New protection against Chickenpox added to the routine childhood vaccination schedule – MMRV vaccine launched from January 2026 – Lincolnshire ICB