People in north east London who are at greater risk of serious illness from Covid-19 and flu are being urged by GPs to “come forward now” for their free NHS winter vaccinations.
Since September, hundreds of thousands of flu jabs and tens of thousands of Covid-19 booster jabs have been delivered across Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
However, many of those eligible for vaccinations have still not come forward and remain at risk of serious illness and possible hospital admission if they catch either virus.
Among those eligible for free flu and Covid-19 jabs are people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, frontline health and care staff, and those deemed clinically at risk. People with a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed) as a result of an underlying health condition, genetic disorder or ongoing medical treatment are also eligible.
To support uptake in north east London, GPs and their teams are running outreach clinics at community venues where people can get vaccinated without an appointment. People will have the opportunity to ask questions or seek more information on the vaccines.
There are also walk-in slots available at more than 160 local pharmacies.
Dr Muhammad Naqvi, local GP and Clinical Lead for Vaccinations at NHS North East London, said:
“Flu and Covid-19 leave thousands of people seriously ill in hospital each year and getting vaccinated is our best defence against these nasty, seasonal viruses.
“It’s also important to remember that the protection we get from vaccines goes down over time so if you’re among those at greater risk, it’s vital to get vaccinated every year.
“We do understand vaccination is a personal choice and some people need more information to help them make the right decision for themselves or their families. That’s why we are encouraging people to have conversations with a local health professional – by contacting their surgery, speaking to a health visitor or midwife, or by dropping into a local pharmacy or one of our community outreach clinics for an informal chat.
“Vaccines are safe and effective and help us to keep more people well during the colder months ahead when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure, so if you’re among those eligible for vaccinations this winter please come forward now for yours.”
People can book their flu and Covid-19 vaccinations via the NHS App and the NHS website (www.nhs.uk), or by calling 119 for free, with appointments running until 20 December. Flu vaccines are also available through many local GP practices and pharmacies.
The two vaccines can be safely given during the same appointment.
This winter, for the first time, the NHS is also offering vaccinations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab is available to those aged 75 to 79, and it is also being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Further information on all winter vaccinations, including advice on how to book and full details of local outreach clinics and walk-in sites, are available on the NHS North East London website at www.northeastlondon.icb.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.
If you’re unsure whether you’re able to have a free vaccination, you can consult your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist for advice. Full details of who is eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccinations this winter can also be checked online at www.nhs.uk/get-vaccine.
