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UKHSA North West urges vulnerable people to get their flu and COVID-19 jabs to protect themselves this winter
THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging vulnerable groups in the North West to take up the flu vaccine this autumn to prevent them from getting sick this winter.
Pregnant women, young children and those with certain chronic medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease, cerebral palsy, liver or spleen disorders or long-term lung conditions, are particularly vulnerable to flu. All eligible groups are being encouraged to take up the flu vaccine, and at the same time book their COVID-19 autumn booster to protect themselves against the expected rise in cases as winter approaches. Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director at UKHSA North West, said:- “Flu and COVID circulated last winter causing significant peaks and resulting in thousands of hospitalisations and deaths. So, it’s important that we are protected against both. Vaccination is our strongest form of defence so if you are eligible, please come forward and get your jabs as soon as possible. Pregnant women, young children and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable, and we have good evidence to suggest this year’s vaccine will offer good protection. Taking up both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of winter provides the best level of protection against severe illness and will help ease the pressure on the NHS this winter.” All eligible adults are urged to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines online via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online, to give themselves the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Parents of children aged 2 and 3 should book a nasal spray flu vaccine for their child at their local GP surgery. The schools programme also began in early September 2023, with those aged 4 up to the age of 16 (school year 11) being offered a nasal spray vaccine, or an injection if this is unsuitable. It is important young people take up the vaccine as it protects the child themselves and helps stop the spread to vulnerable people around them, including babies, grandparents and people with weak immune systems.
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