The deputy chief medical of the UK Well being Safety Company (UKHSA) defined: “Flu and Covid circulated final winter inflicting important peaks and leading to 1000’s of hospitalisations and deaths. It is crucial that we’re protected towards each.
“Vaccination is our strongest type of defence so, in case you are eligible, please come ahead and get your jabs as quickly as doable.”
Final yr noticed flu place a better pressure on hospitals than Covid-19, resulting in greater than 14,000 deaths within the winter of 2022 and 2023.
However how will you ebook a flu jab, who’s eligible for a free vaccine, and the place is it being provided?
Am I eligible for a free flu jab?
You may get a free flu jab on the NHS if:
- You’re aged 65 or older;
- You’ve gotten sure medical circumstances, reminiscent of a coronary heart downside, kidney illness, or diabetes;
- You’re pregnant;
- You obtain a carer’s allowance or you’re the foremost caretaker of an older or disabled one who could also be in danger in the event you get sick;
- You reside with somebody who’s prone to get a extreme an infection on account of a weakened immune system.
The place can I get a flu jab?
There are three locations the place you’ll be able to obtain the NHS flu vaccine. These are:
- Your GP surgical procedure;
- A pharmacy providing the service;
- Sure maternity companies in case you are pregnant.
You may additionally be provided the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.
How can I ebook my flu jab?
You’ll be able to ebook an appointment at your GP surgical procedure or a pharmacy that provides it on the NHS.
These eligible can also obtain an invite to get vaccinated — although you’ll not want to attend for this earlier than reserving an appointment.
Everybody who’s eligible for the jab will be capable of get it, NHS England has mentioned.
Ask your GP or native pharmacy for extra data on inventory ranges, because the vaccine is delivered in batches. In case you are not in a position to get an appointment straightaway, they’ll advise on when extra vaccines will develop into out there.
What have well being officers mentioned in regards to the flu season?
Vaccines minister Maria Caulfield mentioned: “After starting the NHS winter vaccination marketing campaign early, this winter rollout will proceed our tireless efforts to equip our communities with immunity towards Covid and flu, and shield probably the most weak amongst us.
“Flu positioned a better burden on hospitals than Covid final yr, so it’s important that all of us participate in lowering stress on the well being system by reserving our Covid and flu jabs as quickly as doable to maintain ourselves and our family members protected from an infection.”
Ms Caulfield added that the NHS has already administered flu jabs to 2.8 million individuals since September, together with multiple million autumn Covid jabs.
“Please do come ahead and get your jabs to guard your self and your family members,” she added.
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