Local health teams have vaccinated more than 190,000 people against flu and more than 56,000 people against COVID-19 this winter, but are calling for eligible people to book their vaccination appointments for the best protection.
Around 48% of eligible people have received their free flu vaccination, but 185,000 people across the area have not yet had it.
Around 56% of eligible people have received their COVID-19 vaccine, but 44,000 people across the area have not yet had it.
In addition, 62% of people with long-term health conditions have yet not had their flu vaccination and 70% of people who are immunosuppressed have not yet had their COVID-19 vaccination, leaving them at risk of serious illness from the virus.
Dr Hein Le Roux, Churchdown GP and Place Clinical Director at NHS Gloucestershire ICB, said:
“It’s encouraging to see hundreds of thousands of people taking steps to protect their health by having their winter vaccinations. If you’re eligible but haven’t yet been vaccinated, I would urge you to book your vaccine as soon as you can.
“Having your vaccinations lowers the chance of becoming seriously unwell and needing care in hospital. Protection from previous vaccinations reduces over time, so keeping it topped up when you’re eligible is important, even if you’ve had vaccines before.
“Don’t put off booking your appointment. Visit the NHS website or use the NHS App to check whether you’re eligible and arrange your vaccination. If you’re unable to book online, you can call 119 for free.”
In particular, parents and carers of two and three-year-olds are being urged to book their child’s free flu vaccination now to help protect them this winter. Around 44% of two to three-year-old children have not yet received their flu vaccination.
Dr Hein Le Roux added:
“Vaccinating your child will help to protect them as well as more vulnerable family and friends by preventing the spread of flu. The children’s flu vaccine is usually given as a quick, painless nasal spray. If your child hasn’t had theirs yet, please contact the NHS to book an appointment and help protect them this winter.”
A flu vaccine injection is available that does not contain gelatine. If you do not want your child to have the nasal spray vaccine, speak to the person vaccinating your child.
Vaccination doesn’t just protect individuals, it helps safeguard the wider community. By reducing the spread of flu and COVID-19, we can help keep schools open, workplaces running, and vulnerable people safe.
More information about vaccinations is available here.