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The seasonal NHS flu and covid vaccination programme provides vital protection to eligible people and their families, keeping them from developing serious illnesses, and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.
This year’s programme has been brought forward because of the rise of the new covid variant.
It was due to start in early October but vaccine sites have opened this week for those most at risk, including adult care home residents.
Carers, pregnant women, and health and social care staff are among the groups to be offered a covid jab this winter, as well as adults aged 65 and over.
From Monday (18 September), the NHS will start to invite people in priority order of risk and those eligible will be able to book an appointment on the National Booking Service. You can also find your local walk-in clinic at www.grabajab.net
Wherever possible, vaccinations for flu and covid should happen at the same time, making it easier and more convenient for you to get vital protection from both viruses ahead of winter.
Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and covid and the NHS is working quickly to offer people protection against these nasty viruses as soon as possible.
Please come forward to get your protection against both Covid and flu as soon as possible once bookings open or you are invited.
Adult flu and covid appointments are available through the NHS app and website, or by calling 119.
Flu vaccines are available through local GP practices and pharmacies.
Children are also being invited for the flu vaccine in school, to prevent them from getting seriously ill and ending up hospital, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population.
The flu is not just a cold – it’s an unpleasant illness which can lead to serious complications.
The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged two to 17 years but if this is not suitable, your GP or practice nurse may be able to offer an injection instead.
Parents of pre-school children are also urged to boost their child’s immunity this winter.
GPs will soon be in touch if you have a child aged two to four, to offer them a free flu vaccine to help keep them safe this winter.
Please look out for your child’s invitation and make an appointment when invited.
Get to know your blood pressure
Help prevent your risk of a heart attack or stroke by knowing your blood pressure numbers.
Last week was Know Your Numbers Week, a campaign by the charity Blood Pressure UK that aimed to reach those who have high blood pressure and don’t know it, so they can get the treatment and support they need to bring it under control.
High blood pressure is known as ‘the silent killer’, as it often does not present with symptoms itself.
Each person will have different readings so learn what is normal for you. It’s never too early or late to start checking.
Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if you need them to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level for you.
Why is it important to know your numbers?
According to Blood Pressure UK:
- one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure
- one in two adults with high blood pressure don’t know they have it or aren’t receiving treatment
- one in two strokes and heart attacks are the result of high blood pressure
- six million people in the UK alone have high blood pressure and don’t know it.
Home monitoring is an effective and inexpensive way to keep blood pressure under control.
Find out more on the NHS website.