Get your free flu vaccination
Tuesday, 24 November 2020
Get your free flu vaccination this winter to protect you against the seasonal flu.
If you're at higher risk of complications from the flu, it's even more important this year to get vaccinated, especially with COVID-19 also circulating.
Flu can cause severe illness, especially for people with underlying health conditions, which is why it is important for people in "at risk" groups to get vaccinated. Helping to protect against flu is particularly important at the moment; although the vaccine will not protect against coronavirus, people vulnerable to COVID-19 are also at higher risk of complications from flu.
You're eligible for a free flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 and over (and if you'll be 65 by 31 March 2021)
- have certain health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems, liver disease and kidney disease
- 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's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
- are frontline health or social care workers
Councillor Tracey Stock, our Executive Member for Health & Wellbeing and Communities said:
Flu is much worse than a heavy cold, and if you get complications caused by flu you could be seriously ill. That’s why we’re supporting advice issued by our local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), and urging anyone who is eligible for their free flu vaccine to get one; including those who are at higher risk of developing complications. The vaccine is the best way to protect against flu.
Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti the Clinical Lead and Lead for the Flu Programme for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) commented:
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It will prevent serious health complications associated with the flu and can save lives. Anyone who is invited by their GP to have the free flu jab should not think twice about having it. Your GP and local pharmacy will still be open during lockdown to provide flu vaccinations to both adults and children.
GP practices and pharmacies are continuing to run flu clinics during the current national lockdown, following local and national guidance to keep patients and staff safe. GP practices will notify patients how they will be delivering flu clinics before their appointment.