Don’t give the gift of flu this Christmas, get vaccinated before it’s too late
There’s still time to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming seriously unwell this winter by getting your flu vaccination.
To make it as easy as possible for anyone who’s eligible to get the jab while out looking for Black Friday deals or Christmas shopping, local NHS teams are hosting clinics across key community areas such as family hubs, community centres and supermarkets over the next week.
Flu isn’t just a nasty cold, it can have serious impacts, particularly for people who are at high-risk, and 1.8million flu vaccines have been delivered to eligible people in the South West since this season’s rollout kicked off, with more than 170,000 appointments still available.
Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West, said: “It can take up to two weeks after you receive your flu vaccination to fully benefit from it. This is why we are advising all those who are eligible to get their flu vaccine sooner rather than later, to ensure the best protection before the festive season.
“December is often the time of year where many of us begin to have gatherings with family and friends, and the weather can drive us indoors, increasing the risk of spreading viruses such as flu. By getting your flu vaccination, you’re not only protecting yourself, but those around you as well.”
Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups and close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and children, care home residents and carers, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.
You can visit www.nhs.uk/fluvaccine to see if you’re eligible for a free flu vaccination, or speak to your GP or specialist.
You can book your flu or COVID-19 vaccinations (also if you’re eligible) through the national booking system or find out where clinics are in your local area.
Parents are also being reminded to complete their child’s school vaccination consent forms or to book an appointment for two to three year-olds, to ensure their child’s protection from flu ahead of the Christmas break.
The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine to over 65s, to help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, like pneumonia.
You can access more information on recommended vaccinations at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.