Millions of people across the North West will be offered vaccinations this autumn to help protect them from serious winter illnesses, including flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as the NHS warns that flu could strike earlier than usual this winter.
The call comes after last year’s flu season peaked much sooner than expected, putting pressure on NHS services across the region. NHS leaders are urging everyone eligible to book their vaccine as soon as they are invited to help avoid serious illness and reduce demand on health services during the busiest time of year.
Last year, more than two million flu vaccinations were delivered in the North West, protecting the most vulnerable groups from serious illness. Around four million people in the region will be eligible for the flu vaccine this year and NHS teams will be working incredibly hard to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get protected.
From 1 September, pregnant women and children will be offered the flu vaccine whilst older adults, people in care homes, people clinically at risk and health and social care workers will be eligible from 1 October.
With nearly 2,500 vaccination sites across the region, the NHS is making it easier than ever for people to get vaccinated. People can book an appointment by using the National Booking Service, the NHS App, finding a pharmacy offering walk-ins or by calling 119.
Whilst flu can be a mild illness for some people, it can cause significant health issues for children, pregnant women, older adults and people with some long-term health conditions, including hospitalisation and, in certain cases, severe respiratory failure or even death.
Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care, Community and Neighbourhoods at NHS England in the North West, said: “Winter viruses such as flu can be very serious, particularly for young children, pregnant women, older people and those with long-term health conditions, and vaccination remains the best way to reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell and needing hospital care this winter.
“Last year, we saw flu cases peak much earlier than in previous years, so it’s incredibly important that people come forward and get vaccinated as soon as they can.
“The flu virus changes from year to year so it’s vital people get the vaccine every year to ensure they are fully protected against different strains.
“If you or a family member is eligible for a vaccine, please do book an appointment as soon as possible.”
School-aged children will be offered the flu vaccine through local school vaccination programmes. As children head back to school after the summer holidays, parents and carers are encouraged to look out for consent forms and return them promptly.
Children who miss their vaccination at school will be able to catch up through participating community pharmacies from 1 December.
During the winter, the NHS experiences a mix of seasonal viruses including flu, COVID-19, RSV and norovirus. The RSV and COVID-19 vaccines are also available to eligible groups, helping protect children and adults against common winter illnesses.
The RSV vaccine is available to pregnant women and all adults aged 75 and over all year round, and from this Autumn, the NHS is also inviting people aged 65 to 74 who have a weakened immune system or long tern lung condition to come forward for the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine will be available from 1 October to people aged 75 and over, care home residents and immunosuppressed people aged over six months.
People can check their eligibility and book appointments through the NHS App, the National Booking Service, participating pharmacies or by calling 119.
For more information about the flu vaccine and to check whether you are eligible, visit the NHS website: Flu vaccine – NHS
