Vaccinations to protect the most vulnerable against flu and COVID-19 are now available in our area. Eligible people are being urged to get their jabs as soon as they are offered.
Most GPs and more than 100 pharmacies in our area are offering the vaccinations free this autumn.
Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness in people with existing health conditions. Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that over the past two winters, at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu alone, despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season.
Last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised, due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas, and then again at the end of January.
Dr Jane Halpin, Chief Executive of NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board said:
“Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors, where viruses spread more easily.
If you want to weather the winter and enjoy a healthy Christmas and New Year, getting your free vaccinations is probably the quickest and easiest step you can take.
“Even if you’ve been vaccinated before, or have recently had flu or COVID, it’s vital that you top up your protection. Immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year. Without a vaccination, some people are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell or being admitted to hospital.Now is the time to protect yourself early and get ahead of the viruses. It’s safe to have both vaccinations at the same time. Please make sure you get vaccinated when offered and encourage the people you care about who are eligible to do the same.”
For autumn 2024, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that the following groups are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations:
- adults aged 65 and over
- residents of care homes for older adults, and
- those aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in the ‘Green Book’, a guide for public health professionals on immunisation in the UK).
The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in care homes for older adults being offered the COVID-19 jab.
See our helpful guide to where eligible people can access their COVID vaccinations in each of the 13 districts and borough council areas in Hertfordshire and west Essex. There’s also information on how to book an appointment – either online or by calling 119, which is a free service.
Are you eligible for a free flu or COVID vaccine?You can speak to a translator if you need to. If you have difficulties communicating or hearing you can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service if you are a BSL user.