PREGNANT WOMEN and children across the South East are being encouraged to get their flu vaccine as the NHS begins its annual flu vaccination programme
Thousands of appointments are now available across the region as vaccination teams begin protecting pregnant women, children aged two and three years old, school-aged children and young people in eligible clinical risk groups.
All other eligible groups will be able to receive their flu vaccination from 1 October. These include people aged 65 and over, adults in clinical risk groups, carers, care home residents, frontline health and social care workers and people experiencing homelessness.
Those aged 16 and over who are rough sleeping or accessing homeless hostels or night shelters are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination for the first time this year.
Flu can be a serious illness and can lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis, particularly for young children, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.
Getting vaccinated remains the best way to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill and passing flu on to vulnerable friends and family members.
Across the South East, local NHS teams are making it easier than ever for people to access their vaccination.
While pregnant women can receive their flu vaccination through a range of healthcare settings, including GP practices, hospitals and maternity services, innovative community-based clinics are also helping bring protection closer to home.
Building on the success of a ‘pioneering’ nursery vaccination pilot delivered across the Thames Valley last year, flu vaccination teams will once again take vaccinations directly into a number of nurseries attached to primary schools in Buckinghamshire this autumn.
The pilot, which previously delivered vaccinations in nursery settings across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, was designed to make vaccination more convenient for families and improve access for younger children.
Parents of two and three-year-olds can access flu vaccination appointments through their GP practice from September 1, while community pharmacy delivery for this age group will begin from October 1, offering families even more choice about where their child receives their vaccine.
Caroline Reid, NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning said: “Every year flu causes significant illness and hospital admissions, particularly amongst young children and pregnant women, which is why we are encouraging people to come forward as soon as they are invited.
“We know that making vaccinations easy and convenient helps improve uptake, which is why local NHS teams across the South East continue to develop innovative ways of bringing the vaccine closer to communities where possible, whether that’s through family centres, nurseries, schools, GP practices, pharmacies or maternity services.
“Last year more than 3.3 million people across the South East received their flu vaccination, giving the region the second highest uptake nationally. We want to build on that success this winter and ensure as many people as possible are protected before flu begins to circulate widely.”
Flu activity typically peaks during the winter months, with December and January often seeing the highest levels of illness.
By getting vaccinated early, people can help protect themselves, their families and local health services during the busiest time of year.
People will be able to receive their vaccination through GP practices, pharmacies, school-aged immunisation services and other local NHS providers depending on their eligibility.
Full details about eligibility and how to get access to vaccinations are available via: nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine
