This winter we have seen high levels of winter infections in our local communities. This has led to a high number of people in our hospitals with complications from illnesses like the flu. Many of those admitted hadn’t had this year’s vaccinations.
Find out if you are eligible on the NHS Website.
Last Chance for Flu vaccinations
You can still get the flu vaccination that will offer protection from the strains circulating this winter until the end of March. It’s your last chance to get the vaccination to cover you over the months ahead.
The vaccinations provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during busy winter months. Check with your local pharmacy or visit the NHS website to find a location offering them.
This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations (JCVI) recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu vaccinations.
Those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include
(following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.)
From 3 October:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.