Think Vaccination for the Best Protection this Winter

As the colder months approach, local health leaders are urging people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help stay protected this winter.

Flu and COVID-19 can both cause serious illness, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. Vaccination offers the best protection for individuals and helps reduce pressure on the NHS during the busy winter season.

Across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, more than 290,000 people are eligible for a free flu vaccine, with over 125,000 also eligible for a COVID-19 booster.

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine:

This winter, the COVID vaccine is available on the NHS for:

• People aged 75+
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Those with weakened immune systems aged six months and over.

This has changed from last year's criteria, which included adults aged 65 and over.

Who is eligible for the Flu vaccine:

More groups are eligible for the flu jab, including those aged 65+those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, carers, care home residents, people living with someone who has a weakened immune system, frontline health and care workers, and all children aged 2 to 3, school aged from Reception to Year 11 and all children in a clinical risk group aged from 6 months to less than 18 years.

Adults should check their eligibility and can book their vaccines using the NHS App, the NHS website, or by calling 119. Eligible individuals may also receive an invitation from their GP or NHS.

Pregnant women can get the flu or COVID vaccine during a routine antenatal appointment or at their GP surgery.

School-aged children (from reception to year 11) will be offered the flu nasal spray at school or local clinics (for home educated children) with parental consent. Children aged two and three years, as well as those with long-term health conditions, will be able to get their flu vaccine at their GP practice or a local pharmacy that offers NHS children's flu vaccination.

For most children, the vaccine will be given via a nasal spray. For children who require a pork gelatine-free alternative, or who are unable to have the nasal spray for medical reasons, an injectable vaccination is available on request.

Chief Medical Officer urges residents to act now

Dr Lorna Clarson, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and GP, said: “Every year, flu and COVID-19 lead to thousands of hospital admissions, many of which can be prevented.

Getting vaccinated is a simple step that protects not only you but also your loved ones and those most vulnerable in our community. As a GP, I see first-hand how much difference these vaccines make. I’d urge everyone who’s eligible to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.”

The campaign also highlights that people aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women may be eligible for the RSV vaccine, which protects against bronchiolitis and pneumonia, as well as the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine for those pregnant after 16 weeks. If you're aged 75 to 79, your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. If you are 28 weeks pregnant or more, you can speak to your midwife or GP surgery about getting your RSV or whooping cough vaccination.

For more information on eligibility and how to book, visit: www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations