For some, flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant. But for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people and pregnant women, they can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. Every winter, thousands die from flu and people can still get very ill or die from COVID-19.
Catching both viruses over winter increases the risk of serious illness even further. Vaccines are our best protection against flu and COVID-19.
Over the last few years, they have kept tens of thousands of people out of hospital and helped to save countless lives.
In winter, flu and COVID-19 spread more easily as we spend more time indoors.
Getting these vaccines ahead of winter are two of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe and get ‘winter strong’.
Those who can get both vaccines through the NHS will include everyone aged 65 and above, pregnant women, care home residents, people aged 6 months old or above with certain health conditions, frontline health and care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.
If eligible, you are encouraged to come forward as soon as you can due to the risk of the new variant, for the best possible protection.
If you have an appointment for a flu vaccination already booked with us at The Blandford Group Practice you do not need to do anything, if eligible you will automatically be offered the COVID-19 vaccination at the time of your flu vaccination.
2-3'S Flu
Last year 6,000 under 5s ended up in hospital because of flu.
The child flu vaccine reduces your child’s chance of needing hospital care for flu by around two-thirds and helps prevent it spreading among vulnerable family and friends.
The vaccine is usually given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.
Book your 2 or 3 year old’s vaccine at their GP practice or, if your child is of school age, make sure to look out for and sign their consent form.
Get your child vaccinated against flu. Get winter strong.
