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Get winter ready – get vaccine protected
Thousands of people across Surrey can now get their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations as part of NHS plans to protect communities ahead of winter.
This year, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended adults aged 65 and over, residents of care homes for older adults and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years be offered a COVID-19 jab as well as a flu vaccine.
As in previous years, the COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in care homes for older adults also being offered the jab. These cohorts will also be able to receive the flu vaccine.
Vaccines provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors, and viruses spread.
People can book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations with appointments running until 20 December - eligible patients can do this on line via the National Booking System for flu and COVID vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations for children started with the new school year last month, to help stop the virus spreading.
For the first time the NHS will also offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab will be available to those aged 75 to 79, and it will be offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Jo Cogswell, Executive Director Strategy and Joint Transformation, Surrey Heartlands ICB said:
The COVID-19 vaccine is our best defence against the virus, and it is so beneficial to get the jab when you can. I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs to protect themselves and people around them.
For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit.
However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
Dr David Williams, Medical Director for Vaccinations, Surrey Heartlands ICB said:
The vaccination does fade over time so it’s essential to keep up with having your boosters. COVID-19 is still circulating and can cause serious illness, hospitalisation for our older population and those with a weakened immune system.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when viruses are more likely to spread.
More information on vaccinations