Dorset residents are encouraged to get Winter Strong as the colder weather is arriving in the UK.
Let’s talk Flu
Flu is no fun, and if you’re in the older age groups, or a young child, pregnant or have a long term health condition, the flu vaccine can really help to keep you well and winter strong.
Respiratory viruses, such as flu, usually reach their peak over the festive and new year period. Nobody wants to miss out on the festive celebrations with their friends and family this winter and the vaccines provide the best possible protection.
Most eligible adults are able to get their flu vaccine now. This may be later than you’ve had the vaccine before, but it means you’ll have the best protection when flu is most widespread. Pregnant women and children can also receive the vaccine.
Professor Dominic Mellon, Deputy Regional Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West said:
“As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which can tragically kill thousands of people every year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised.
“So if you or your child are offered the flu, COVID-19 or RSV (respiratory) vaccines, don’t delay in getting them. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any concerns.”
Millions of eligible people in England can now book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines through the NHS, with appointments now open. Find out if you’re eligible and book your vaccination via the NHS App or website
For their RSV jab, pregnant women and older adults should speak to their maternity service or GP practice to arrange, as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.
Vaccination programmes help to provide important protection to those eligible and their families over winter. This helps prevent serious illness and death and helps to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months.
- Approximately 30 million people across the country will be offered a flu vaccine and
- Approximately 22 million a COVID-19 autumn booster this winter season.
Pregnant women are now eligible for the RSV vaccine and should also get their whooping cough vaccine. Both vaccines are passed through the placenta to the baby protecting them in the first few months of life and can stop them from becoming seriously ill. Pregnant women should speak to their GP or maternity team for more information.
- Maternity Services at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Maternity Services in areas served by Bournemouth and Poole hospitals, through United Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Evidence shows that flu circulates earlier in children. Children’s protection from the vaccine doesn’t decrease as quickly as it does in adults, so children can get the flu vaccine from September to help protect them and stop flu spreading.
All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 are eligible, as well as primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6), secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11) and all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years.
Societal resilience empowers the whole of society to become involved in developing how they can become more resilient. Everyone should be given the opportunity to get involved. Taking action to keep you and the people you know winter strong, is a part of societal resilience.
Additional resources
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You can find a pharmacy offering flu vaccines at www.nhs.uk/flu-pharmacy (18+ only) or book your flu vaccine directly with you GP surgery.
• You can also find your nearest COVID-19 vaccination walk-in site at www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in. You do not need to make an appointment, but check which age groups they offer vaccinations to before attending
• Read more on winter vaccines and how to book at www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.
Frontline health and social care workers are also encouraged to come forward for both your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from 3 October to protect yourself and your patients, and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter.
Health and social care workers and staff working in care homes for older adults, your employer will be able to point you in the direction of the most convenient COVID-19 vaccination offer. This may be by booking online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid from 23 September, where staff can self-declare their eligibility.
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British Sign Language video
Information for parents of secondary school children, with subtitles.
Audio only file for parents of secondary school children can be found here