Our director of public health, Krishna Ramkhelawon, says ‘do your bit’ to support the NHS and social care this winter and get your COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
Krishna said: “Since the first COVID-19 vaccine was given, it has saved lives, helped tens of thousands of people stay out of hospital, and made it safer for us to live with COVID-19. But the virus is still with us and is still making people very ill every day.
“As we head into winter, flu presents further dangers. For most people flu is unpleasant, but for some it can be very dangerous and even life-threatening, particularly those with certain health conditions. The flu vaccine is the best protection against getting seriously ill from flu and spreading it to other people.
“Our hospitals are already seeing an increasing number of people attending with COVID-19. Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations will protect you and your family from being seriously ill. Please do your bit to protect yourself and others and support the NHS this winter by getting your vaccinations."
This year, the flu vaccine will be offered to those most at risk from flu first. From September, younger children, older people, those in clinical risk groups and pregnant women were able to book an appointment for a flu vaccine at their GP practice or pharmacy. From mid-October 2022, people aged 50 to 64 years old that aren’t in a clinical risk group, will also be able to get a free flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is offered through schools for school-aged children and pregnant women can get their flu vaccine through their GP practice, pharmacy or maternity service.
The COVID-19 and flu vaccine can be given on the same day and some people might get both vaccines at the same time. However, this may not always be possible, so it’s best to get each vaccination as soon as possible, rather than waiting to get both at the same time.
Please help to keep yourself and those around you safe against these viruses by getting vaccinated when you are invited. You can find out more about what vaccinations you may need, and information about how to book an appointment, by visiting www.nhs.uk/flujab and www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccine.