Two simple things that you can do to help stay healthy this winter include getting your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccination. It is especially important to get vaccinated if you are at higher risk of getting seriously ill from these illnesses.
Who can get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine right now?
Relevant to Gardiner’s, all most all of our clients, many of the people they live with our cleints and all of our staff should be able to access these vaccinations for free va the NHS.
- Anyone who will be aged 65 or over by 31 March 2024.
- All frontline health or social care worker
- Those with certain health conditions or a learning disability
- Those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
How to get the flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine
If you’re eligible, you can:
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- go to a walk-in vaccination site
Pneumococcal vaccine
If you’re 65 or over, you’re also eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine, which will help protect you from pneumonia.
Who’s most at risk?
People aged 65 and older are at higher risk from cold weather. If you have a long-term health condition that also puts you at higher risk. If you feel unwell, it is important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell. The sooner you get advice, the sooner you’re likely to get better.
Keep warm
Keeping warm over winter can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems. Try to keep the rooms you use to at least 18°C. It’s best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night.
Take care and think about shopping
Pavements and roads can be iced and slippery. Cold weather can stop people from going out. Make sure loed ones that should avoid venturing out in icey weahter are stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days. If they do need to go out, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip, and also a scarf to protect them from cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections. Also, make sure they have a good stock of prescription medicines.
NHS England are once again providing the flu and covid vaccine free of charge for all care staff.
You may unknowingly pass on the flu or covid without displaying any symptoms. Protect those close to you and those you provide care to by getting the vaccines as soon as you can..
Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England
“Every year we urge our colleagues to protect themselves, their families and their patients by taking up the free flu jab, and every year more and more do – but this year’s call is the most vital we have ever made.
“The flu has a serious impact on the health of thousands of people every winter, and with the added risk of COVID-19 this year the NHS needs as many of its staff as possible to be fighting fit over the coming months. So, we must also do the same for flu. Getting a vaccine is the single most effective way every member of our staff can contribute to this.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock
“Last year saw more health care workers than ever before getting their flu jab. This year we can go further so that all of our brilliant frontline NHS and social care staff can get the flu vaccine as standard – so that together we can meet the unique challenge we face this winter.”
Professor Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England
“This year, it is more important than ever to get your flu jab with COVID-19 still in circulation. Flu can require hospitalisation, which would add pressure on the NHS and social care when they may also be dealing with cases of COVID-19.
“Getting your flu jab is easy and takes just a few minutes, but it could save someone’s life.”
