02 October 2025
Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) is urging eligible individuals across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire to protect themselves and others by getting their flu vaccine this autumn.
Last winter, over 300 people were admitted to hospital, after visiting our emergency departments, with influenza (flu) as their primary diagnosis. Alarmingly, 10% of those admissions were children under the age of five. Across Wales 4,349 influenza hospital admissions were recorded, 4% of these were to Intensive Care Units (ICU).
With the NHS already under significant pressure, preventing flu-related hospitalisations is a vital step in keeping our services running smoothly this winter.
Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads easily through coughs and sneezes and can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, particularly for young children, older adults, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr Ardiana Gjini, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said:
“Flu is not just a bad cold; it can be a serious illness that leads to hospitalisation and even death. Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones, whether it’s making sure you can keep working, caring for your family, or simply staying well over winter.”
The flu vaccine has been used safely for decades, with nearly a million people in Wales receiving it every year. It cannot give you flu instead, it trains your immune system to fight the virus.
The vaccine is offered free to those most at risk, including but not limited to:
Children will be offered a nasal spray vaccine in school, and parents are encouraged to provide consent to ensure their child is protected.
Eligible individuals will be invited by their GP or can access the vaccine through participating community pharmacies. For more information on who is eligible and how to get vaccinated, please visit our seasonal flu vaccinations webpage (opens in a new tab).
We strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to attend their GP appointment or consent to their child’s vaccination at school. Together, we can reduce the impact of flu and help keep our communities safe this winter.