Looking after your health this winter
Winter is a time when illnesses like flu and COVID-19 are more common, but there are ways to help protect yourself and stay healthy.
We’re bringing free NHS vaccinations and health checks to local community centres, making it easier to look after your health without needing to book an appointment.
Healthcare professionals from Woodgrange Medical Centre will be offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to eligible residents, along with blood pressure and blood glucose checks. These quick checks can help spot potential health problems early, even if you’re feeling well.
Winter of Wellbeing sessions near you.
Wednesday 4 November, 11.00am – 2.00pm
POPLAR UNION
2 Cotall St, E14 6TL
Monday 23 November, 11.00am – 2.00pm
ST PAUL’S WAY COMMUNITY CENTRE
83 St Paul’s Way, E3 4AJ
Wednesday 2 December, 10.00am – 1.00pm
ISLAND HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Roserton St, E14 3PG
Friday 4 December, 10.00am – 1.00pm
ISLAND HOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
Roserton St, E14 3PG
All sessions are free, and you don’t need to book.
Flu Vaccine - Who can get it for free?
You can get the NHS flu vaccine if you:
- Are aged 65 or over (including those turning 65 by 31 March 2027)
- Are aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
- Are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive Carer’s Allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Are aged 16 or over and sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
- Are a frontline health or social care worker (usually vaccinated through your employer)
Flu vaccine season runs between September and March
Not eligible for a free flu vaccine but would still like to have one? You can still get vaccinated privately at some pharmacies for a fee. Find a pharmacy near you that offers flu vaccinations.
More about free Flu jab eligibilty for adults
COVID-19 Vaccine - Who can get it for free?
You can get a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- Are aged 75 or over (or will turn 75 by 31 January 2027)
- Are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- Live in a care home for older adults
The 2026 autumn COVID-19 vaccination campaign in England runs until 31 January 2027.
More about free COVID-19 jab eligibilty for adultsBlood pressure & blood gluscose checks
Blood pressure checks
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, so you might not know you have it. A quick blood pressure check can help spot any concerns early.
A cuff is wrapped around your upper arm and gently inflated to measure your blood pressure. It only takes a few minutes.
Blood glucose checks
A blood glucose test measures the amount of sugar in your blood. It can help identify raised blood sugar levels that may need further checks, including for diabetes.
The test involves a quick finger prick to collect a small drop of blood, rather than taking blood from a vein.
If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes, you won’t need a blood glucose check at these sessions.
More Resources
Special thanks to Woodgrange Medical Practice for carrying out the health checks and Poplar Union, Poplar Harca / St Paul’s Way Centre , Island House Community Centre and St. Matthias Community Centre / Neighbours in Poplar for hosting sessions in their community spaces and helping local people stay healthy this winter.
