Still time to get the best protection from flu and Covid-19
It’s not too late to get vaccinated against flu or Covid-19 – that’s the message from local health leaders as hospitals continue to see a high number of Covid-19 and flu hospitalisations.
Dr Geeta Iyer, local GP and Clinical Lead for the Mass Vaccination Programme in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, said:
“Covid-19 and flu are continuing to circulate in our communities with lots of people catching the viruses and many ending up in hospital.
“We’re calling for eligible people, particularly those with long-term health conditions, to come forward if they have not been fully vaccinated yet.
“Vaccination is the most effective protection we have. While a vaccine won’t prevent you becoming unwell from the viruses, it will reduce symptoms for the vast majority of people and help you get back to your normal self, sooner.
“A study by the UK Health Security Agency also shows that the children’s nasal flu vaccine may also help contribute to a reduction in the rate of group A strep infections among children.
“You can still come forward for any of your Covid-19 vaccines, including your first, second and primary booster doses; and flu vaccinations are available right up until the end of March.
“It’s always best to get vaccinated as soon as possible, to give yourself the best protection.”
It’s easier than ever to get a booking for your vaccination, with a range of options available to suit you – including your local pharmacy or GP and online booking for both flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
Walk-in options are available too, with locations regularly updated at grabajab.net.
Flu vaccines are available to adults who:
- are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by 31 March 2023)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in a long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system (such as someone who has had a transplant, is living with HIV or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- are frontline health workers
- are social care workers and cannot get the vaccine through work
A nasal spray flu vaccine is available to children who:
- are aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020)
- are in primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- are aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
Flu vaccinations are also available for some secondary school aged children. An injectable vaccine for children is also available.
Seasonal Covid-19 boosters are available to people who:
- are front line health and care staff
- are aged 50 and over
- have a weakened immune system
- are aged 5 and over with underlying health conditions including pregnant people, people with learning disabilities and carers.
Everyone over the age of five is entitled to first and second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, with everyone over the age of 16 also entitled to a booster dose of the vaccine. Everyone still able to access any of the vaccine doses they are entitled to.
Visit grabajab.net for more information.