[Photo caption: Margaret Keaveney, receiving a flu vaccination at a local clinic on 1 October.]
I popped into our friendly Larkhall pharmacy a couple of days ago for a ‘walk-in’ double dose of vaccinations. COVID booster in one arm and flu jab in the other. I am just grateful for such an opportunity to be available for us people of a certain age.
Actually, this year’s drive to protect the most vulnerable people against the winter flu virus has begun for those living in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset.
All people aged 65 and over are among those who can receive a flu vaccination for free on the NHS. Those eligible can get their flu vaccination at their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy, helping to protect themselves and those around them this winter.
Each year, thousands of people across the region will feel the unpleasant side effects of flu, but for those who are older or vulnerable, the risks posed by the virus can be much greater.
Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards Cluster, said, “Flu is not just a bad cold. It can be very serious, lead to severe illness and even be life-threatening.
“The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way for people to reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell, and those eligible are strongly encouraged to take up the offer, not only to protect themselves, but also their loved ones.”
Along with people aged 65 and over, others who are also being encouraged to get protected include under-65s who have been identified as clinically at-risk, care home residents, people who share a home with someone who has a weakened immune system, frontline health and care workers, pregnant women and children.
Dr Coakley continues, “A simple way we can care for older people and the wider community is to have the flu vaccination when it is offered.
“Having the vaccine not only gives a person’s immunity a much-needed boost but also makes them less infectious to others. Children are often good at sharing viruses, so when they take up the vaccine, it not only helps protect them, it also, importantly, helps to stop them from spreading flu to others at greater risk, such as their grandparents.
“I would encourage everyone eligible to book their vaccines as soon as possible and help to protect themselves and those around them.”
Flu vaccinations are available through local GP practices and community pharmacies.
Anyone eligible for vaccinations can book online at www.nhs.uk, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119.
COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available to people aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
In addition, the NHS’s year-round RSV vaccination programme has expanded to include people aged 75 and over, those aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or certain long-term lung conditions and women 28 weeks pregnant or more.
RSV is a viral infection which can make babies and adults with long-term lung conditions very unwell and at risk of hospitalisation.
