MILLIONS of Brits are being urged to “get winter strong” by having flu and Covid jabs.
Some 11.7million people in England have already had a flu vaccine, while 8.6million have had a booster for coronavirus.
GettyA healthcare Worker hands in surgical gloves pulling COVID-19 vaccine liquid from vial to vaccinate a patient[/caption]
However, millions of eligible adults — including pregnant women and those with ongoing health conditions — have yet to take up the offer of a dose.
Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best protection.
“I urge all those eligible to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer to get winter strong.
“Don’t put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) launched the new vaccine campaign alongside NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care.
Adverts featuring the Sun’s resident GP Dr Zoe Williams will feature on TV, radio and billboards to encourage eligible Brits to come forward.
The campaign will also encourage parents of children aged two and three to get their kids vaccinated against flu.
Dr Zoe said: “My two-year-old recently had their flu nasal spray vaccination. It was quick and painless, and I’d strongly encourage other parents to take up the offer.
“Nobody wants to see their child getting unwell with what can be a nasty illness especially with the winter festivities ahead.”
Steve Russell, of NHS England, said: “Getting the flu and Covid vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from serious illness this winter.
“There are thousands of sites open across the country and eligible adults can book both vaccines online or through the NHS App in just a few minutes.
“If you’re eligible, we’d urge you to get both vaccinations as soon as you can, to help protect yourself and your loved ones and get winter strong.”
Who is eligible for a flu and Covid vaccine?
Those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
those aged 65 years and over
those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, chapter 19 (Influenza))
pregnant women
all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
school-aged children (from Reception to Year 11)
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
Those eligible for an autumn Covid vaccine are:
residents in a care home for older adults
all adults aged 65 years and over
persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as laid out in the Immunisation Green Book, COVID-19 chapter (Green Book)
frontline health and social care workers
persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts (as defined in the Green Book) of people with immunosuppression
persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers (as defined in the Green Book) and staff working in care homes for older adults
Source: The NHS