Take opportunity to get vital protection

I urge everyone who is eligible for the free flu jab to take this opportunity to protect themselves and other vulnerable people.

For the first time we will have Covid-19 and flu co-circulating.

Not many people got flu last year because of Covid-19 restrictions, so there isn’t as much natural immunity in our communities as usual.

If people get flu and Covid-19 at the same time, research shows that they are more likely to be seriously ill.

The flu vaccine is a lifesaver because flu is a highly contagious disease which for some people can lead to serious and sometimes lifethreatening consequences.

Having the flu vaccine will also stop you spreading flu to other people who may be more at risk of serious problems from flu.

So, if you are offered a flu vaccination this year, please accept it.

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by March 31, have certain health conditions, are pregnant, are in long-stay residential care or receive a carer’s allowance.

Also, the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick, live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), as well as frontline health or social care workers.

Two and three-year-olds will be offered flu nasal spray, as will primary school and secondary school pupils up to Year 11 through school vaccination programmes.

For more information about the flu vaccine visit: nhs.uk

Dr Nigel Sturrock, regional medical director, NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands