NHS teams across the country are ramping up their winter flu
vaccine offer in the lead up to Christmas – hitting the high
street and local shopping centres in a bid to bring the vaccine
closer to patients across the Black Friday sales.
The country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend with
those eligible for their free flu jab being urged to get
vaccinated now to get protected before the
festive period – with the vaccine usually taking two weeks
to be fully effective.
The NHS is making it as easy as possible for those eligible to
get the jab while out looking for Black Friday deals or Christmas
shopping, with local teams hosting pop-up clinics across shopping
centres, high streets, football clubs and soft play areas over
the next week.
There's been 15.4 million flu vaccines delivered since this
season's rollout kicked off, with 2.4 million appointments
running across the next week.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for
England, said:
“Flu has hit us early this year and we've just faced the first
cold snap of the season which can be dangerous for those over the
age of 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.
“NHS staff across the country are working flat out to protect as
many people as possible from flu ahead of winter – hosting pop-up
clinics closer to home and on the high street – so it is vital
the public come forward for one of the 2.4 million appointments
running next week, as getting your jab remains the best way to
shield yourself from getting seriously ill.
“Catch a bargain not a bug this winter - and find your
nearest pop-up clinic via your NHS regional webpage for when
you're out and about, or as usual you can check your local
pharmacy for their drop-in service, book an appointment online or
by calling 119, or speak to your GP practice today about your
winter flu vaccine”.
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.
Eligible adults can book their flu vaccine appointment now via
the NHS App, their GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, by
calling 119 or by finding their nearest walk-in service.
Parents are being reminded to complete their child's school
vaccination consent forms or to book an appointment for 2 to
3-year-olds, to ensure their child's protection from flu ahead of
the Christmas break.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, , said:
“With the festive season fast approaching and flu cases higher
than last year, now is the time to get vaccinated.
“We're making it easier than ever – NHS teams will be in shopping
centres and on high streets across the country over the coming
days, so you can get your jab while doing your Christmas
shopping.
“This is just one of the steps we've taken to prepare the health
system for the colder months – including stress testing winter
plans, making sure community teams have the vaccines they need,
and identifying patients most vulnerable in winter.
“Getting vaccinated now protects you, your loved ones, and helps
our NHS through the challenging winter months ahead."
Early seasonal data shows vaccination remains the best defence
against flu for children and adults, who are receiving strong
protection from this year's flu vaccine despite the emergence of
a new flu sub-strain driving an unusually early flu season.
UKHSA's first Cold-Health Alert of the
season also reminded the public that cold weather can have a
serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart
attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for
individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health
conditions.
COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and
over, older adult care home residents and people who are
immunosuppressed, with 4.3 million delivered so far this season.
Adults aged 75 and over and those that are immunosuppressed can
book their COVID-19 vaccine directly with their local pharmacy,
GP practice, via the NHS app, online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid or via
119.
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 nhs.uk/vaccinations.
