PEOPLE in Liverpool eligible for the flu vaccine are being urged to book their jab.

National surveillance data released today by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows there has been an early start to the flu season, with a sharp increase in activity among children, as well as increases among other age groups in the wider community.

Flu is a lot more serious than a cold and can cause serious illness particularly for people who are older, living with a long-term health condition or are pregnant.

More than 7,000 people died from flu in England last year. Flu spreads more quickly during winter when we spend more time indoors. All eligible adults can now book their flu vaccine.

There are lots of viruses circulating and there have been reports of flu causing outbreaks already.

It is important to get protected, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.

If you are vaccinated and catch flu this winter, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.

Who is eligible?

Those aged 65 and over, those living with a long-term condition, pregnant women, carers and frontline health and social care workers.

Children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine. For most children the vaccine is a nasal spray, not an injection. It is quick and painless.

Pregnant women are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine if they are pregnant at any time in the flu season, as well as whooping cough, and RSV vaccines at certain times during their pregnancy.

Pregnant women can speak to their GP or midwife for more information.


How to get protected

Primary and secondary school-aged children can have their flu vaccine at school. In Liverpool this includes 2 and 3 year-olds in school nursery classes.

2 and 3 year-olds can also get a flu vaccine at their GP surgery.

Some pharmacies in Liverpool are offering flu vaccines to 2 and 3 year-olds Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination at this link.

You can contact your GP practice to book a flu vaccine, or you can book an appointment at a pharmacy through the national booking service, the NHS app or by calling:- 119. Some pharmacies also offer walk-in vaccinations.

The Living Well bus offers all vaccinations including flu at various sites around Liverpool. You can find out where and drop in at this website.


Covid

This year, Covid vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adults living in care homes, and people who are immunosuppressed.

Some GPs and pharmacies offer Covid vaccines or you can book an appointment online through the national booking service on the NHS website. 

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health, said:- “Flu vaccines are free to those at greatest risk and teams across the City are working hard to make it as quick and easy as possible to get them via local GP practices, pharmacies, in schools and other community clinics. Please do book an appointment today – it could keep you out of hospital this winter.”

Professor Matt Ashton Director of Public Health for Liverpool, said:- “Vaccination is still our best defence against flu and can be lifesaving. If you’re eligible it is because you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. I urge those aged 65 and over, mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others who are eligible to come forward or book appointments for their flu jabs as soon possible, to help protect themselves and loved ones.”

Sabrina Fogg, Midwife at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, said:- “We recommend pregnant women get vaccinated against flu, whooping cough and RSV. These vaccines have been proven to be safe for mothers and babies and protect them from serious illness. The flu jab is available for women at any stage of their pregnancy. Please speak to your midwife or email Liverpool Women’s Hospital at vaccines@lwh.nhs.uk to arrange a vaccination at a day and time that works for you.”