NHS Cheshire and Merseyside is urging eligible people across the region to book their flu jab, as preparations for winter begin earlier than ever.
The national booking system opened this week allowing eligible people, including pregnant women and children, to pre-book their flu vaccinations ahead of the programme starting on 1 September.
The NHS is taking action early to ease winter demand on healthcare services after back-to-back heatwaves have seen staff treat record numbers this summer.
Nationally A&E attendances hit a record 2.5 million in July with emergency departments experiencing their three busiest months on record between May and July.
Despite the record pressure, more patients were seen, treated or discharged within 4 hours than in June, with performance improving to 75.4%.
Flu can cause serious illness for children, pregnant women, older adults and people living with certain long-term health conditions. In some cases, it can lead to hospitalisation, severe respiratory complications and even death.
Last year, around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been avoided through flu vaccination, with nearly 19 million people receiving their flu jab across England.
The vaccine is usually administered as an injection, while most children will be offered a quick and painless nasal spray vaccine.
Across Cheshire and Merseyside, local NHS services will begin sending invites to children and pregnant women, the first cohort of people eligible, via their GP practice, NHS app or letter.
Eligible people will be able to receive their vaccination at a range of convenient locations in their local community, including GP practices and participating high street pharmacies.
Additional eligible groups will begin receiving vaccinations from 1 October. These include people aged 65 and over, adults in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, people who are in close contact with immunocompromised individuals, and frontline health and care workers.
This year’s cohort includes adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Dr Fiona Lemmens, local GP and Executive Clinical Director, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “As we prepare for winter, we’re encouraging everyone across Cheshire and Merseyside who is eligible for a free flu vaccination to book as soon as they’re invited.
“The flu jab is a quick and effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones and those most vulnerable to serious illness, while also helping reduce pressure on our local NHS services during the busy winter months.”
Further information about the flu vaccine is available at www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk/your-health/helping-you-stay-well/flu-vaccination/
