SALFORDIANS URGED TO GET ROUTINE IMMUNISATIONS AND WINTER VACCINATIONS

Salford health bosses are urging eligible people to make sure all routine immunisations are up to date including winter vaccinations for flu and COVID-19.

The adult COVID and flu vaccination programmes have been brought forward following the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant.

The eligible groups to be offered both a winter COVID-19 and Flu vaccination include:

Everyone aged 65 and above

Pregnant women

Those in long-stay residential care homes

People aged 6 months old or above with certain health conditions.

Frontline health and social care staff

Unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.

In addition, the following group are eligible for a free Covid-19 vaccination:

people aged 12-64 years who live with people who are immunosuppressed. 

Who is eligible for a free Flu vaccine on the NHS?

The Flu vaccine will be offered to:

Paid/unpaid carer

Age 6 months to 65 years with an underlying health condition

A household contact of an immuno-compromised person

Living in a residential or nursing home

A health or social care worker

Pregnant women

And includes:

Aged two and three years on 31 August 2023

Eligible school aged children (Reception to Year 11)

Councillor John Merry Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Adult Services, Health and Wellbeing for Salford City Council, said: 

"Flu and COVID-19 can be unpleasant for many people, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women. Catching both viruses over winter increases the risk of serious illness even further and can be even life-threatening.

"Last year, more than 6,000 under-5s in England were hospitalised by flu, and many more needed care in accident and emergency. The vaccine reduces a child's chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds.

"It's important that all adults and children keep their routine immunisations up to date, to help reduce the risk of serious illness and keep our communities resilient.

"Booking a vaccine is quick and easy, it usually takes just a few minutes. So, please protect yourself this winter. Get all your vaccinations up to date and stay winter strong."

 Eligible adults can book their COVID-19 vaccination now on the NHS App, on the NHS website or by calling 119 for free if they can't get online.

You can find out the latest information about both vaccines and how to book by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations.