If you are eligible, the NHS strongly encourage you to get your vaccines this Autumn/Winter. Some people are vulnerable to developing a severe illness if they catch these viruses and vaccines are the most effective way to prevent that from happening.
Vaccines are the safest, most effective way of protecting people from the flu virus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is important to check if you are eligible and due for a vaccine. Not only do these vaccines offer individual protection, but they also help protect those around us, so making sure you and your loved ones are up to date with your jabs will help everyone stay safe.
Who I eligible for the flu vaccine? The flu vaccine is recommended for those at higher risk of serious illness from the flu. The NHS offers the vaccine free of charge every year, and you are eligible if you are:
Aged 65 years and over.
Aged 18 to under 65 years in clinical risk groups.
Living in long-stay residential care homes.
Since the effectiveness of the flu vaccine can diminish over time in adults, a late October start date is recommended.
Stay up to date with the latest in your area:
NHS England: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
NHS Inform (Scotland): www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/immunisation/vaccines/flu-vaccine/
NHS Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/
NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccine
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
This Autumn/Winter, the following groups will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine:
Residents in care homes for older adults.
All adults aged 65 years and over.
Individuals aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as outlined in Tables 3 and 4 of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book on immunisation against infectious diseases.
Frontline NHS and social care workers, including those working in care homes for older people.
Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine is consistent across all four nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) but you can stay informed in your area:
NHS England: www.nhs.uk/conditions/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination/
NHS Inform (Scotland): www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine
NHS Wales: www.gov.wales/covid-19-vaccination-programme
NI Direct: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/get-covid-19-vaccination-northern-ireland
Who is eligible for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes coughs and colds in winter and can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening breathing difficulties.
The RSV vaccination programme to protect newborn babies and older people against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is being rolled out in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Individuals aged 75 to 79 as of 2 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination through their GP.
Those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation once eligible.
RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds in winter and can cause severe and sometimes life-threatening breathing difficulties.
Be vigilant about vaccine scams
For advice on how to protect yourself, visit: https://cfa.nhs.uk/fraud-prevention/COVID-19-guidance/COVID-19-vaccine-fraud
It is important to stay vigilant at all times. Criminals are texting, emailing, phoning, and appearing on people’s doorstep offering vaccines. They particularly target vulnerable people.
The NHS will never come to your house unannounced to give you a vaccination
The NHS will never ask for payment for a flu, coronavirus or RSV vaccine, it is free of charge.
Don’t respond to text messages
Hang up on phone callers
Always challenge unannounced visitors to your home.
If you are suspicious of someone, call the police.
The Government Counter Fraud Function has developed advice to make people aware of these scams. Please read this advice: https://cfa.nhs.uk/fraud-prevention/COVID-19-guidance/COVID-19-vaccine-fraud
Comments