THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on those celebrating Diwali to come forward for their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if they are eligible so they can get ‘winter strong’ and have a safe and healthy celebration. As the vaccines take up to 2 weeks to provide maximum protection, getting vaccinated soon will help reduce the risk of severe disease in time for Diwali.
 

Flu and COVID-19 spread more when we spend more time indoors. If you are in 1 of the groups who is eligible for vaccination against flu and COVID-19, ensure you get your vaccines. This will help your Diwali celebrations stay on plan, whether that’s sharing delicious meals, lighting lamps or exchanging gifts with friends and family. Taking up the vaccines means you have taken steps to minimise the chances of spreading these infections or even experiencing serious complications from them.
 

Everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, and individuals with certain long-term health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, are eligible for free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines offer the best defence against becoming severely unwell, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 and flu.
 

Children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine and are advised to take up the vaccine ahead of the festivities if receiving the vaccine from their GP. Each winter, thousands of children need to go to hospital for treatment (10,000 children were hospitalised with flu last season), including intensive care, with children under the age of 5 years having one of the highest rates of hospital admissions due to flu compared to other age groups. By getting vaccinated, your child not only protects themselves, but also those around them, including babies, grandparents, and people with weak immune systems.
 

Parents are urged to ensure their children’s school vaccination consent forms are completed, and that eligible pre-schoolers are booked for appointments at the GP practice to help reduce the spread of flu this autumn and winter. Children in Reception to Year 11 will be offered the free nasal spray flu vaccine, delivered in schools by immunisation teams up and down the country. Children aged 2 and 3 (on or before 31 August 2023) are eligible for the free nasal spray via their GP practice. Any child aged 6 months or over who has a health condition that puts them at increased risk from flu should have a vaccine every year. Children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons should request an injected flu vaccine instead.

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director of UKHSA North West, said:- “The Diwali season is a cherished time when families and friends come together to celebrate and exchange greetings. However, it also coincides with when flu and COVID-19 cases typically rise. We strongly encourage members of the Hindu, Jains and Sikh communities to prioritise their health by getting vaccinated, helping them to stay winter-strong. Aside from protecting yourself, ensure your children are vaccinated too against flu. Each winter thousands of children require treatment in hospital for flu or its complications. Many of these episodes can be prevented by a simple vaccine. On top of helping to keep your child healthy, the flu vaccine also helps stop the spread of flu in the family and wider community – helping to protect those who are more vulnerable and the elderly such as grandparents.”

To book Covid and flu vaccines, you can either download the NHS App, visit:- www.nhs.uk/book-covid or call 119 for free if you can’t get online.