Get vaccinated against COVID and flu and get winter strong
For some of us, flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant but for others they can be dangerous or even life threatening. Last winter around 190,000 people in England were hospitalised due to them.
Seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available now and offer the most effective protection against flu and COVID-19. The flu vaccine is also offered to most children, for their protection and to help stop the virus spreading to others.
These vaccines are important because our immunity reduces over time, whether we have this from a vaccine or from catching them. Viruses also adapt to survive and reproduce and the Pirola COVID-19 variant is an example of this.
The NHS is offering its free flu and COVID-19 vaccines to people at greater risk of serious illness this autumn and winter and those who come into contact with them. This includes:
*everyone aged 65 and over
*pregnant women
*care home residents
*those aged 6 months old or over with certain health conditions
*frontline health and care staff
*unpaid carers
*People aged 12 and over who share a house with someone who’s at increased risk
The flu vaccine is also offered to most children, including 2 and 3 year olds, school-aged children from reception to year 11, and those with underlying health conditions.
www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations
How to get your vaccine
*If you need help, or an interpreter to book your flu or COVID-19 vaccines, call NHS 119 for free.
*Book your COVID-19 vaccine using the NHS App or online at nhs.uk/book-covid, or through a local NHS
service, such as a GP practice
*Ask your care home to arrange your vaccination
*Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination clinic
*Adults (aged 18+) can book their flu vaccine through their GP practice or nearest vaccinating pharmacy
*In some areas, pregnant women can get the flu vaccine at the antenatal clinic
*Book a flu vaccine for children aged 2 – 3 through their GP practice
*For help to get a vaccine your child has missed, contact their GP practice
*Health and social care workers may be offered their vaccines through their employer, or can book a
COVID-19 vaccination via the NHS App, online or by calling 119