Lavender Hill Group PracticeFor some, flu and COVID-19 are unpleasant illnesses. But for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, 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 at the same time increases the risk of serious illness even further.
Vaccinations are our best defence against flu and COVID-19 ahead of what could be a very challenging winter
It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and both viruses can change each year. Both vaccines have a good safety record. And if you were to experience side-effects, they are generally mild and do not last for more than a few days.
The patients eligible to receive a free flu vaccine are those:
· 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)
· persons aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
· persons aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults
The Practice will be contacting all our patients to offer their flu vaccination, or you can also contact us to book into one of our clinics which we are running Monday to Friday from 11th September.
From the 18th September the National Booking Service (NBS) will also become available to allow the eligible patients above to book a COVID-19 vaccination online (using NHS.uk), via the NHS App or by calling 119.
Get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Get winter strong.