THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England are urging those eligible who’ve not yet come forward for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to ‘get winter strong’ and join the millions of others in taking up the offer ahead of the festive and new year season when flu and COVID-19 are expected to peak.
 

In the North West 1.4 million people have had the flu vaccine so far, with 1.1 million taking up the COVID-19 booster, but millions more in vulnerable groups remain at risk.
 

As part of a drive to encourage those eligible but still unvaccinated to come forward, TV doctor and former Gladiator Dr Zoe Williams is fronting a major new national marketing campaign, launched on 1 November 2023.
 

Adverts encouraging people to ‘get winter strong’ - with gladiatorial creatives and copy - will appear on TV on demand, radio and billboards, with further content across social media and in newspapers throughout the campaign, which runs from 1 November to mid-December 2023.
 

For the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the campaign targets pregnant women, and those with ongoing health conditions, as these groups have more recently had lower vaccine uptake despite being at higher risk. The campaign also aims to engage parents of children aged 2 & 3 (on the 31 August 2023) to get their children vaccinated against flu.
 

Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said:- “As we head into winter and the weather turns colder, respiratory viruses spread more easily. For those most vulnerable both flu and COVID-19 can cause severe illness, often hospitalisation and the vaccines provide the best possible protection. It’s essential you protect yourself by booking your jab.  If you are eligible, please come forward as soon as possible to make sure you have the best protection against these viruses.”
 

GP and TV Doctor, Dr Zoe Williams said:- “Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help prepare your immune system, helping to make you winter strong and better able to fight off these illnesses if they come your way. If you are eligible it’s because you are at higher risk of severe illness, so now is the time to get protected before winter arrives. Pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions are particularly at risk from flu and COVID-19 and young children aged 2 and 3 from flu.

“My 2 year old recently had their flu nasal spray vaccination. It was quick and painless, and I’d strongly encourage other parents to take up the offer. Nobody wants to see their child getting unwell with what can be a nasty illness especially with the winter festivities ahead.”
 

People can learn more about the vaccines and how to book them at:- www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations