Face mask wearing in Royal Surrey’s Emergency Department (A&E) | News

Across the country, cases of flu and other respiratory infections are on the rise, and we are seeing this increase reflected in attendances at Royal Surrey.

To help reduce the spread of infection and keep everyone safe, we are asking patients and their relatives to wear surgical face masks while in our Emergency Department, where possible.

Surgical masks are available at the entrance to the department for anyone who needs one. If you are unable to wear a face mask, please inform a member of staff in the department.

This is a temporary measure to protect the health of our patients, visitors and staff. We will share updates as soon as our usual mask-wearing guidance is reinstated.

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. You can get the free NHS 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.

How to get the flu vaccine

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:

• contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.
• book a free NHS flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App (if you're aged 18 or over).
• find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccination where you can walk-in and get vaccinated without an appointment (if you're aged 18 or over).

The last date you will be able to get your flu vaccine is 31 March 2026, but it's best to get vaccinated sooner to protect yourself during winter. Online booking will close on 30 March 2026.