MEDICAL professionals are urging people in Warwickshire to get flu jabs as the festive season approaches.
With flu, Covid and other respiratory illnesses in circulation, the NHS is urging people in the region to get their jabs now to ensure maximum protection throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
So far, nearly 300,000 people in Coventry and Warwickshire have had their flu vaccinations – as the numbers of people with the illness rise and temperatures drop. Flu levels are higher than normal after two years of lockdown, which kept it suppressed.
This year is predicted to be a bad winter for respiratory infections, with an expected significant rise in flu and Covid infections occurring together – increasing the possibility of complications, likely to result in increased hospitalisations and deaths.
Seasonal flu vaccinations are mainly offered in pharmacies and GP premises.
Dr Angela Brady, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board, said: “Flu and Covid spread more quickly in winter and can cause serious illness – especially in people who are clinically more vulnerable, such as those with long term health conditions and people with suppressed immunity.
“We know winter brings both increased infection levels as families and friends come together to celebrate the festive period with their loved ones. It is vital those who are due their booster or flu jab come forward as soon as possible to ensure they have protection for themselves and their loved ones this winter.
“Many people are really concerned about the cost of living right now, but getting both jabs means serious illness from Covid and flu will be one less thing to worry about.”
People can book their latest dose of the Covid vaccine at https://tinyurl.com/2s3t38nn or by calling 119. There are also walk-in sites – visit https://tinyurl.com/mu88s53r to find local ones.
Flu vaccinations are available for free for eligible groups from GPs and community pharmacies. Children aged two and three years of age and school-aged children are also eligible.
