It may still feel unseasonably warm outside but local health leaders are urging people across Norfolk and Suffolk to start preparing for winter.
From today (1 October), those who are eligible can book their free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to help protect themselves and their families before these winter viruses start to circulate.
Flu vaccinations are available for:
- People aged 65 and over
- People aged 18 to 64 in *clinical risk groups
- Residents of long-stay residential care homes
- Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person
- Close contacts of people who are immunocompromised
- People experiencing homelessness
- Frontline workers in social care settings
- Frontline healthcare workers
COVID-19 vaccinations are available for:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in a care home for older adults
- People aged six months and over who have a **weakened immune system
The rollout follows the start of the flu vaccination programme for pregnant women and eligible children, which began on 1 September.
Pregnant women and eligible children can continue to receive their flu vaccinations via GP practices, maternity services, community pharmacies and school immunisation programmes.
People aged 65 and over, those in eligible clinical risk groups, and carers will be invited for their flu vaccination through GP practices and participating community pharmacies. Eligible people will also be invited for their COVID-19 vaccination through local NHS services.
Patients are encouraged to look out for their NHS invitation and book their vaccinations at the earliest opportunity. A booking can be made in several ways: via the link in the invitation, the NHS App or by calling 119. Some pharmacies have walk-in clinics.
For more information, please visit the ICB’s vaccinations webpage.
Flu and COVID-19 continue to cause serious illness each winter, particularly among older people, those with long-term health conditions, people whose immune systems are weakened and pregnant women. Vaccination remains the best protection against becoming seriously unwell and can help reduce the risk of hospital admission and complications.
Vaccination also helps protect family, friends and others who may be more vulnerable to infection, while reducing pressure on health and care services during the busy winter months.
Dr Mike Smith, Interim Medical Director at NHS Norfolk and Suffolk Integrated Care Board, said:
“As we head into autumn, people can protect themselves and their loved ones from serious illness over the winter.
“Seasonal viruses can have a significant impact on those most at risk, including older adults, people with certain health conditions, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospital admission, helping people to stay well and independent throughout the winter months.
“If you’re eligible, please take up the offer as soon as you receive your invitation. If you usually receive a flu or a COVID-19 jab or if you are pregnant, you don’t need to even wait for an invitation. Getting vaccinated early gives you the best chance of being protected before the viruses begin circulating more widely.”
Dr Dave McConnell, Clinical Steward for Planned Care and Medicines Optimisation at Norfolk and Suffolk ICB and GP at Norwich Practices Health Centre, said:
“Every winter we see the impact that respiratory viruses can have on individuals, families and health services. While many people recover from flu or COVID-19 within a few days or weeks, for those at higher risk the consequences can be far more serious.
“The good news is that vaccination provides safe and effective protection against severe illness. Whether you’re eligible because of your age, a health condition, pregnancy, caring responsibilities or your role in health and social care, I would strongly encourage you to come forward when invited.
“If you have a long-term health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, please speak to your local pharmacy, GP practice or specialist.
“Taking up the offer of vaccination not only helps protect you, but also the people around you and the wider community.”
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* The flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, including:
- conditions that affect breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some conditions that affect the brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
- diabetes or Addison’s disease
- a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
- problems with the spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if the spleen has been removed
- a learning disability
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
**People with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment may be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes people who:
- have or have had blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
- have had an organ transplant, bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant
- have HIV
- have a genetic disorder that affects your immune system, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
- are having or recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy
- are taking steroid medicine (depending on the dose)
- are having long-term immunosuppressive treatment for a condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), scleroderma or psoriasis
The lists above do not include every condition. Patients are advised to speak to their local pharmacy, GP surgery or specialist if they are not sure about their eligibility for the vaccination.