Winter Vaccination Efforts Underway to Protect Vulnerable Population

Vaccination teams are working to build immunity in those most at risk of serious illness this winter, including adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed. COVID-19 vaccinations are available alongside flu vaccines, which are also being offered to two and three-year-olds in some community pharmacies. The NHS recommends additional vaccines, such as the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and older adults, and the pneumococcal vaccine for over 65s, to protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia.

Key Takeaways:

• Vaccination teams are working to protect those most at risk of getting seriously ill this winter, including adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
• COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
• Flu vaccines are also available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.
• For the first time ever, flu vaccines are being delivered to two and three-year-olds in some community pharmacies.
• The NHS recommends the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults, as well as the pneumococcal vaccine to over 65s, to protect against serious illnesses like pneumonia.
• Booked appointments and walk-in sessions are available across local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinic drop-in centres.
• People can book an appointment via the NHS App, their local GP practice, online at nhs.uk/bookflu or nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.

Statistics:

• Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services, and via schools.
• 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women are eligible for flu vaccines.
• Adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed are eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations.
• Booked appointments and walk-in sessions are available across local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinic drop-in centres.
• Vaccination teams are working to make it as easy as possible for people to receive their vaccines, including hosting mobile vaccination buses and drop-in clinics.

Sources:

• Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust