Those eligible for the free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster jab are being urged to book their appointments as soon as possible in a new film campaign launched this Friday.
There could be a significant flu surge this winter coinciding with continuing or rising COVID-19 cases. This is due to colder weather which favours transmission, darker nights which mean increased social contact indoors where it is less well ventilated, and expected lower immunity to flu due to lower levels in circulation last winter.
Richard Fuller, MP for North East Bedfordshire, said:
Following the continuing success of our vaccination programme – saving almost 130,000 lives – we are encouraging eligible individuals to get their free flu-jab and booster vaccine to protect as many lives as possible this winter.
This is why we have launched the biggest flu programme in history for 2021/22, in partnership with charities and healthcare organisations, to further the success and protection of our vaccine programme and mitigate the effects of combined flu and coronavirus this winter.
Those eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine should book as soon as they are invited, with around 30 million people eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine should come forward to get it as soon as possible. Last year, the free flu vaccine was offered to 30 million people, this year the programme is being expanded again to the largest in history offering it to over 35 million people who are eligible.
To check your eligibility for the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccine or to find a service visit here
Eligible people can book an appointment for their flu jab at either their GP practice or their local pharmacy. Those who are pregnant can ask for their free flu jab at their local maternity service.
The campaign is also supported by a coalition of leading charities and healthcare professional bodies, including The Royal College of General Practitioners, The Royal College of Midwives, Asthma UK, The British Lung Foundation and Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
The campaign video can be watched here.
