Get vaccinated ahead of winter

Date
Topics
Health and wellbeing
Nurse gives older man an injection in his arm

Vaccination is the best defence against flu and COVID for people who are particularly vulnerable to the illnesses in the winter months

Kent and Medway health leaders are urging eligible residents to take up the offer of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations free from the NHS ahead of winter.

Residents receiving invites to get protected are most at risk from either respiratory illness and include:

  • over 65s
  • care home residents
  • pregnant women
  • those with certain underlying health conditions
  • frontline health and care staff

Hundreds of sites across Kent and Medway will be offering the seasonal vaccines to make it as easy and convenient as possible for people to boost their protection.

And if you are eligible, you don’t need to wait for your NHS invite to book your flu or COVID-19 vaccinations online, via the NHS App or by calling 119 for free.”

Appointments for both vaccinations will be widely available up to 20 December.

Between the words in black type against a vivid yellow background 'Get Vaccinated' and 'Get Winter Strong', a group of people of mixed ages, including a pregnant woman, fight off viruses.

The NHS and government's Get Winter Strong campaign reminds vulnerable individuals to 'get vaccinated' to help stay safe and well through winter

Dr Kate Langford, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “Flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors and can cause serious illness.

“It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.

“All those eligible are urged to join the millions of others who have taken up their free vaccine offer. Don’t put it off, book your appointment today and protect yourself this winter.”

Head shot of Public Health Consultant Jess Mookherjee

“If you qualify, please take up the offers to increase your protection, ahead of winter, when respiratory viruses are usually at their peak”

Jess Mookherjee Kent County Council (KCC) Acting Director of Public Health

KCC Acting Director of Public Health, Jess Mookherjee, said: “We are now living with COVID-19, as well as flu, and eligible groups will benefit most from vaccination.

“If you qualify, please take up the offers to increase your protection, ahead of winter, when respiratory viruses are usually at their peak.

“It’s free on the NHS and there are many ways to book and get vaccinated.”

Councillor Dan Watkins

“...while take up of flu and COVID vaccinations among older residents in our county remained high last year, all vulnerable individuals should come forward and get protected”

Dan Watkins Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

KCC Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Dan Watkins, said: “Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that over the past two winters at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season.

“It’s a sober reminder that while take up of flu and COVID vaccinations among older residents in our county remained high last year, all vulnerable individuals should come forward and get protected.

“Having underlying health conditions can make you particularly susceptible to respiratory infections and, if you're pregnant, it's particularly important to get vaccinated to protect both you and your baby.”

David Whiting, Medway Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “I would urge everyone eligible in Medway to get their jabs in the run up to winter, as it’s one of the simplest things you can do to help you stay well.

“No wants to get COVID or the flu, but if you’ve got an underlying condition then a virus can have serious health implications, so please take this opportunity to keep yourself protected.”