Immunisation and vaccination

During the winter months you can protect your health by staying vaccinated to boost your immunity and stay well this winter. For more information on winter preparedness and who’s eligible for winter vaccinations please visit Winter vaccinations and winter health - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Flu vaccine

The flu vaccine helps reduce the number of hospital admissions and alleviates the burden on the NHS, especially during the winter months.

Vaccination is important because the virus can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and can be particularly dangerous for certain high-risk groups which include pregnant women, the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.

For the Winter 2024 programme the eligible groups for a free NHS flu vaccine include:

• Anyone aged 65 and over.
• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart diseases, kidney disease, liver diseases and chronic respiratory diseases.
• Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy.
• Carers and health workers.
• People in Long-Stay Residential care.
• Children ages 2 to 3.
• School children reception to Year 11.
• Some secondary school children.
• Children with certain medical conditions that put them at greater risk from flu.

How to get the vaccine:

1. Book an appointment with your GP surgery.
2. Pharmacies.
3. School vaccination program.
4. Community clinics.
5. Maternity services if you are pregnant.

For more information and guidelines on the flu vaccine please visit Flu - NHS (www.nhs.uk) for adults please visit this NHS website Flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk) and for children please visit this website Children's flu vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk).

RSV vaccine

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79.

Who should have the RSV vaccine

The RSV vaccine is recommended if:

• you're pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they're born
• you're aged 75 to 79

What the RSV vaccine is for

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life.

It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses such as:

• pneumonia (a lung infection)
• bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies)

These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting RSV can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.