The NHS has issued a ‘flu SOS’ with flu cases rising a month earlier than previous seasons. Flu cases are rising rapidly and some predictions point to this shaping up to be the worst flu season in a decade. The flu vaccine helps protect those most vulnerable from developing serious illness and being hospitalised.
Christmas/winter is just around the corner which is when more people are likely to become ill with flu as we spend more time indoors. The flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective so you need to come forward now in order to be protected in time for the festive season.
Those eligible includes those:
- aged 65 and over
- aged 6 months to 64 years old with certain long term health conditions 4
- aged 2 and 3 year olds
- school aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- pregnant women
- frontline health and social care workers
- people who live in a care home
- people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
Don’t put it off, book your flu vaccine appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness over the festive period
If you are eligible, you can book your vaccine via the NHS App, visit nhs.uk/BookFlu, call 119, or contact your GP practice or pharmacy.
Or check visit our vaccination van at a location near you - no appointment needed!
