It’s not too late to get protected against flu
Flu is circulating in Wirral communities. One of the best ways to protect you and your loved ones is to make sure you’re up to date with vaccinations.
Cllr Julie McManus, Chair of Wirral’s Adult Social Care and Public Health committee, said:
We’re still in the middle of Winter, which is when viruses like flu typically thrive.
Earlier this month, our local hospitals, under Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, declared a critical incident over high numbers of flu cases.
If you are vaccinated and catch flu, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised.
As someone with asthma I know how important it is to have the flu jab, I had mine at my GP surgery, I would encourage anyone eligible to get theirs.
If you’re offered a flu vaccine or you can book one, please do.
The NHS’ winter vaccine programme focuses on those at greatest risk of getting seriously ill.
Who is eligible?
Those eligible for a flu vaccine include:
• People with certain long term health conditions (age 6 months to 64 years)
• People aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women
• Frontline health and care workers
What about children?
Children in certain age groups are also eligible for the flu vaccine.
• Children who are aged 2 or 3 (on or before 31 August 2024) – parents and carers can book a nasal flu vaccination for their little one by calling their GP.
• School-aged children (from reception to Year 11) – children in this group will mainly be (and may already have been) offered their flu vaccinations at school.
Children aged 6 months and up, who are at increased risk of severe symptoms, are also eligible. Contact your GP practice for more information.
I’m pregnant, what about me?
In addition to the flu vaccine, pregnant women are now eligible for the RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine and should also get their pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. Both vaccines protect the baby in the first few months of life and can stop them from becoming seriously ill. Pregnant women should speak to their GP or maternity team for more information.
The perfect time is NOW.
If you haven’t managed to book in for your vaccinations yet, don’t worry, there is still time to get vaccinated and protect yourself and those around you.
To get caught up, you can:
Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination Find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination - NHS
Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
Attend your nearest Living Well Bus at locations across the borough, for more information visit: The Living Well Service :: Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Not eligible?
If you’re not eligible as part of the NHS vaccination scheme, but you’d still like to be protected, many pharmacies offer private flu vaccinations too. Call your local pharmacy or search online for details.
