READING Borough Council is encouraging residents to get their vaccines as winter approaches.
Residents are encouraged to get up to date on their flu and Covid vaccinations which help avoid the season during which the diseases are especially prolific.
It also helps protect the NHS at a time when people tend to spend more time inside with one another.
They also protect the most vulnerable from catching the disease from others.
RBC shared figures that showed that nearly half of eligible adults received their vaccinations last year, at 47%.
Those eligible include everyone aged 65 and above, people with certain long term health conditions, pregnant women, care home residents, and frontline health and care staff who have direct contact with patients.
Annual top-ups of jabs counteract the fading of immunity over time as well as tackling newer strains of the viruses.
They also make symptoms milder and recovery faster, cutting the risk of being hospitalised, in the rare occasions when those who have been vaccinated receive newer strains of the diseases.
Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education, Ruth McEwan, said: “The flu and COVID-19 vaccines play such an important role in ensuring we keep the Reading community strong in the face of winter.
“Not only will they protect yourself and your family and friends, but they will also help minimise pressures on our wonderful NHS staff and hospitals which tends to see a huge spike during this period.
“I urge all eligible residents not to put it off, book your appointment today and arm yourself against the risk of severe illness.”
Flu vaccination details are available via: nhs.uk/bookflu
Covid vaccination details are available via: nhs.uk/bookcovid
