16 November 2023 , 06:25
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As winter sets in, flu and Covid-19 are doing the rounds. But if you’re 65 and over, have certain health conditions, or are pregnant, you’ll be eligible for free vaccinations to protect yourself. Plus, flu vaccines are available to children aged 2-16, with most receiving a quick and easy nasal spray.
Even if you’ve recently had flu or Covid-19, or had a seasonal Covid-19 vaccine, it’s time to top up your protection as viruses change and immunity fades over time.
Catching them over winter also increases the risk of serious illness for people with certain health conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes.
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), says: “Last winter, the flu virus was responsible for approximately 14,000 excess deaths and thousands of hospitalisations, including over 10,000 children.
"The flu vaccine prevented around 25,000 hospitalisations, but this could be greater if all those eligible come forward, including pregnant women, young children, and those with certain chronic health conditions.”
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“Vaccines have saved many lives over the years from both flu and Covid-19,” says deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite.
“But we must not be complacent; infections will rise once again this winter. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and will help ease pressure on the NHS.”
NHS medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, adds: “The NHS is offering both vaccines at thousands of sites across the country, so if you’re eligible, I urge you to get them as soon as you can, to help protect yourself and loved ones.”
Both vaccines have good safety records - check if you’re eligible and book at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations
“I don’t want to add more chronic fatigue to my life”
Living with multiple sclerosis means Georgia Bondy is eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccines – and she’s keen to protect herself this winter.Georgia Bondy was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) during lockdown. Now, she does everything she can to protect herself against flu and Covid-19, which is why the 29-year-old has had both jabs this year.
“I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in the middle of the pandemic. It came on rather dramatically when I lost the sensation from my chest downwards over a few days,” says Georgia, who lives in London.
“The unfortunate thing about health conditions is that they can affect anyone.
“I have the kind of MS that’s called ‘relapse remitting’, where symptoms come and they might last a week or a few months and then I tend to recover, maybe not entirely. I lost sight in one eye for a few months and then it came back.”
Georgia, who runs an online platform to empower chronically ill and disabled people to live well, knew that she was at risk of serious illness if she caught Covid-19.
“I’ve had Covid-19 twice and it should be worse for me than it is for other people, but I’d already had a couple of vaccinations, so it was much less severe than it could have been. I was very fatigued and couldn’t get up for a few days, but I wasn’t hospitalised.
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“Last week, I had the Covid-19 vaccination and the week before I had the flu jab. I wasn’t excited about the potential side effects, but they are mild and only last a day or two and that is better than getting seriously ill. I don’t want to add more chronic fatigue into my life.
“My background is Caribbean and I understand some of the community in London are worried about vaccines.
“It’s totally valid to feel like getting a vaccine is a faff or you don’t want the side effects, but it’s the most sensible thing to do in the long term.
You don’t want the long term effects of flu or Covid-19 to add to your condition, with extra fatigue or lung issues. Just do what you can to protect yourself.”
“I can’t wrap myself in cotton wool”
Grandfather-of-two Chris Page has a weakened immune system and asthma - and sees vaccinations as a passport to health.Although Chris Page recently retired, the 64-year-old from Selby, Yorkshire, hasn’t slowed down and likes to travel.
Chris has long term underlying health conditions, including a weakened immune system and chronic asthma, which means he has to use steroid inhalers daily. So, he didn’t have to be asked twice when he was offered the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
“It really is a no-brainer; I’m eligible so why wouldn’t I use this free seasonal service that could save my life?” says Chris, who got his jabs at a Yorkshire walk-in medical centre.
“I can’t afford to be complacent, particularly at this time of year when we all spend more time indoors. I have my family to think of as well as myself.
"I know that immunity fades with time and viruses evolve and I believe that these vaccines will allow me to live my life without fear of hospitalisation or worse. If I should catch either illness, I’m now likely to suffer milder symptoms and recover faster.
"I’m a social animal, not prepared to cocoon myself in cotton wool, and vaccinations are my passport to continued health and happiness.”
“Having the jabs gave me peace of mind”
Catherine Gladwyn is undergoing treatment for a pituitary brain tumour and Addison’s disease.“I wasn’t sure if I’d be eligible for the seasonal Covid-19 vaccination this year, but after hearing about it on the news, I decided to see if I meet the criteria, in case.
"I used the NHS website, and it was really quick and easy. I just answered a few questions and it told me I was eligible,” says Catherine, 46, from Swindon, Wiltshire.
“I’m currently undergoing treatment for a pituitary brain tumour and Addison’s disease, which is an adrenal insufficiency.
“As my partner Antony lives with me, he was able to have his Covid-19 vaccine too, so we booked them together online, at a local pharmacy. When we got there, we were offered our flu jabs as well.”
Having both jabs has given Catherine peace of mind. She says: “I was very pleased. If I get poorly, it could trigger a crisis that could be fatal. I also get chronic fatigue, and even if I wasn’t hospitalised, Covid-19 or flu would wipe me out for longer than most other people.
“I run my own virtual assistant coaching business, so it’s reduced the stress of worrying about whether I can carry on working, or safely mix with people at Christmas without ending up in hospital.
“We also don’t have to second guess things like whether it’s safe to go for Sunday lunch, and I can invite my mum round to ours for Christmas. If you haven’t been eligible in the past, it’s well worth checking again this year. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s given me much-needed peace of mind.”
How to book your flu and Covid-19 vaccines
The NHS is offering free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at thousands of sites across the UK. All eligible adults can book on the NHS App, at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations, or call 119 for free.
For over 18s, flu jabs can also be booked through your GP practice or local pharmacy.
If you are pregnant, you may also be able to get the vaccines through your local maternity service. You will be eligible at any stage of your pregnancy to help protect you and your unborn baby.
Booking vaccines is quick and easy; do it at your local practice, or via the NHS app. You can get also both vaccines in the same visit where possible.
Download the NHS App now
The NHS App is a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services. It is available to all patients aged 13 and over who are registered with an NHS GP practice in England and the Isle of Man.
Get the free NHS App to:
- Order repeat prescriptions
- View your GP health record securely
- Get health advice
- Find NHS services near you
- Book flu and Covid-19 vaccinations if eligible