Health officials are encouraging people across Swindon and Wiltshire to book their flu vaccinations as the NHS prepares for another winter of seasonal illnesses.
The annual vaccination programme is underway, with people aged 65 and over among those eligible to receive a free flu jab through the NHS.
Residents can arrange their vaccination through participating community pharmacies or GP practices, with health professionals reminding people that flu can be far more serious than the common cold.
While many people recover from flu after several days of feeling unwell, older residents and those with existing health conditions can face a much greater risk of complications, including hospital treatment.
Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards Cluster, said the vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of reducing the risk of serious illness.
“Flu is not just a bad cold. It can be very serious, lead to severe illness and even be life-threatening,” he said.
“The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way for people to reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell, and those eligible are strongly encouraged to take up the offer, not only to protect themselves, but also their loved ones.”
Who can get a free flu vaccination?
The NHS is offering free flu vaccinations to a number of eligible groups, including:
- Adults aged 65 and over.
- People under 65 with certain long-term health conditions or clinical risk factors.
- Pregnant women.
- Children in eligible age groups.
- Residents of care homes.
- People living with someone who has a weakened immune system, where the relevant eligibility criteria are met.
- Eligible frontline health and social care workers.
Those who qualify are being encouraged to arrange their vaccination rather than waiting until flu begins circulating more widely.
For people with existing medical conditions, catching flu can make their symptoms worse and potentially lead to further complications.
The vaccination cannot guarantee that someone will avoid flu altogether, but it can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious illness.
Protecting older relatives and vulnerable family members
Health officials are also reminding families that vaccination is not only about protecting the individual receiving it.
Flu can spread quickly between people living in the same household, particularly when children return from school or nursery with seasonal infections.
Older relatives, including grandparents, may be more vulnerable to complications if they become infected.
Dr Coakley said: “A simple way we can care for older people and the wider community is to have the flu vaccination when it is offered.”
He added that vaccinating children can help reduce the spread of the virus to other family members.
“Children are often good at sharing viruses, so when they take up the vaccine, it not only helps protect them, it also, importantly, helps to stop them from spreading flu to others at greater risk, such as their grandparents.”
The NHS is encouraging everyone who is eligible to take up the offer as soon as possible.
COVID-19 vaccinations also available this winter
Alongside the flu vaccination programme, eligible residents are also being offered seasonal COVID-19 vaccinations.
The current programme includes adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and people aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
For people with weakened immune systems, respiratory infections can present additional risks, making vaccination particularly important.
Some residents may be eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, although the eligibility criteria are not identical.
RSV vaccinations available to more people
Another virus the NHS is looking to protect people against is respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV.
Although RSV often causes symptoms similar to a cold, it can lead to serious breathing difficulties in babies, older adults and people with certain existing health conditions.
The NHS’s year-round RSV vaccination programme has expanded to cover additional groups.
According to the regional NHS announcement, those eligible include people aged 75 and over, certain adults aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or qualifying long-term lung conditions, and pregnant women from 28 weeks.
RSV vaccination during pregnancy can also help protect babies during their first months of life, when they are particularly vulnerable to serious respiratory infections.
Residents should check the latest NHS eligibility guidance, as the criteria and arrangements for RSV vaccinations differ from those for flu and COVID-19.
How to book a vaccination in Swindon
People who qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination can arrange an appointment through their GP practice or a participating pharmacy.
Appointments can also be booked using the NHS national booking service, where available.
Further information is available through the NHS flu vaccination website, the NHS App or by calling 119.
With temperatures beginning to fall and winter approaching, the message from local health professionals is that eligible residents should not put off getting protected.
Dr Coakley said: “I would encourage everyone eligible to book their vaccines as soon as possible and help to protect themselves and those around them.”
