November 15th 2023.
As winter approaches, the importance of getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines is becoming more paramount than ever. Vaccines not only protect you from the viruses, but they also help to stop the spread of the infections to friends and loved ones. With millions of people in England eligible for free vaccinations against flu and COVID-19, it's easy to book an appointment or a walk-in at thousands of sites across the country.
Serious illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 can be life-threatening, and the flu vaccine alone has saved 25,000 people from hospitalisation last winter. People with underlying illnesses, pregnant women, young children, and those aged 65 and above are particularly vulnerable and should get vaccinated.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Thomas Waite has said: ‘Vaccines have saved many lives over the years for both flu and more recently COVID-19. But we must not be complacent – infections will rise once again this winter, so it’s really important people get both their COVID-19 and flu vaccines if eligible. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and will help reduce pressure on the healthcare system.’
Getting your vaccines is quick and easy, and side effects are usually mild and don't last longer than a few days. It's important to get your vaccines every winter, even if you got them last year, because the effectiveness of jabs wanes over time. The NHS is offering the vaccines through booked appointments or walk-ins, and those most vulnerable to the effects of flu and COVID-19 are eligible for free NHS vaccinations.
With winter coming soon, don't delay in getting your flu and COVID-19 vaccines! The sooner you have them, the better. It could save your life, or the life of someone you care about.
As winter rolls around, it's time to think about getting your vaccinations. This is especially important as flu and COVID-19 spread more easily when we're all cooped up indoors.
Both vaccinations are effective, and have excellent safety records. If you have an underlying medical condition, are pregnant, or are over 65, they could save your life. It's also important for young children, as they are very vulnerable to flu.
The good news is that millions of people in England are entitled to free vaccinations against flu and COVID-19 at their local GP surgery or pharmacy. It's quick and easy, and the side effects are usually mild, and don't last more than a few days.
Last winter, the flu vaccine saved 25,000 people from hospitalisation, and those who weren't immunised were three times more likely to be admitted. Those who are most vulnerable to the effects of flu and COVID-19, like those with underlying illnesses, pregnant women, and young children, should get vaccinated.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Thomas Waite explains: ‘Vaccines have saved many lives over the years for both flu and more recently COVID-19. But we must not be complacent – infections will rise once again this winter, so it’s really important people get both their COVID-19 and flu vaccines if eligible.’
You can book your free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations online at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations or on the NHS App. Those who can't get online can also make a booking at one of the same sites by calling 119 for free. Flu jabs can also be booked directly through your GP practice or local pharmacy.
It's important to get immunised every winter as the effectiveness of jabs wanes over time, and the flu jab is updated to protect against the most prevalent strains that year. And while the COVID-19 vaccine initially prevents 85 per cent of over-65s being admitted to hospital, this drops to 60 per cent after just six months.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, says: ‘Taking up both vaccines ahead of winter provides the best level of protection against severe illness, helping to keep you winter strong and also helping to ease the pressure on the NHS.’
So if you fall into one of the at-risk groups, don't wait for winter to arrive - book your vaccinations now!
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