Boost Your Immunity This Winter

Boost Your Immunity This Winter

COVID-19 and flu spread more quickly in winter and can cause serious illness. Vaccines are the best protection we have against viruses like flu and COVID-19 that can cause serious illness. Eligible people are encouraged to come forward for these two vaccines as soon as they can to help protect themselves and their loved ones over winter when viruses circulate most.

Protection provided by COVID-19 vaccines decrease over time, so if you’re 50 or over, in an at-risk group or pregnant boost your immunity now. Flu viruses can change every year, so for best protection you should get the flue vaccine every year if you are eligible.

Many adults and children can get a free flu vaccine; boost your immunity this winter with the COVID-19 booster and flu vaccine. Find out if you’re eligible at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations and book now.

Pregnant Women

If you are pregnant, flu and COVID-19 can cause serious harm to you and your baby. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against these viruses. 

Flu can cause serious complications. It could cause your baby to be admitted to intensive care, be born prematurely or even lead to stillbirth. The flu vaccine can reduce the risk of serious complications such as pneumonia, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy. Women who have had a flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection onto their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives. Flu jabs do not contain live influenza virus and cannot infect a pregnant woman or her unborn baby.

COVID-19 can be very dangerous in pregnancy for both mother and unborn baby, and can lead to admission to intensive care and premature birth. Vaccination is the best protection. COVID-19 vaccines offer the best protection against COVID-19 for pregnant women and their babies. The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain live coronavirus and cannot infect a pregnant woman or her unborn baby in the womb.

All pregnant women are eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. You can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at any stage of your pregnancy. 

Book your appointments now with your GP surgery, a participating community pharmacy or ask your maternity services. Find out how to book at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations

People With Certain Health Conditions

If you have certain long-term health conditions, you are at increased risk of hospitalisation from flu and COVID-19 this winter. It is important you get vaccinated ahead of winter to protect yourself. Vaccines are your best protection from viruses like flu and COVID-19 that can cause serious illness. Don’t delay, book your free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster appointments now. 

If you have certain health conditions, you could be eligible for a free flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster. Check if you are eligible for these essential vaccines and book now at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations. Or you can book your free flu vaccine appointments with your GP surgery or at your local pharmacy now. 

Parents Of Children Eligible for Flu Vaccine

Flu can be a serious illness for your child, and they can spread it to others who are more vulnerable, like their grandparents. That’s why children aged 2 or 3 (before September 2022) are eligible for a free flu nasal spray vaccine.

All primary school aged children will be offered a free flu vaccine at school or community clinic. It is a quick and easy nasal spray. Look out for your child’s consent form in their book bags, sign it and return it.

Some secondary school aged children will be able to get the free flu vaccine later in the season. If you child is in school and in a clinical risk group, please contact your GP if you would like your child to receive the vaccination earlier in the season.

Keep your children safe from flu this winter and help stop the spread by getting them vaccinated. It’s their best protection.

If you child is aged 2-3 before September 2022, book an appointment now with your GP surgery.

People Over 50 Years Old And Over

Flu and COVID-19 can spread more easily in winter when we are all mixing indoors more. So, if you’re 50 years or over, you should have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. 

If you’re 50 years or over, you are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from flue and COVID-19, particularly if you get both viruses at the same time. That’s why it is so important to get your flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster as soon as possible to protect yourself this winter. 

If you’re 50 years or over, you are eligible for a free flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster. Book your COVID-19 booster now at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations and book your free flu vaccine appointment with your GP surgery or at your local pharmacy now.