Vaccination for every generation – make sure no one is left out of the family photo this Christmas
As the festive season approaches, many of us are looking forward to getting the whole family together and making memories.
This Christmas, make sure everyone you love is present for the family photo. Winter viruses like Flu, Covid-19 and RSV can hit hard, especially for older family members, young children, pregnant mums, and people with weakened immune systems.
New NHS data shows the number of flu patients in hospital has hit a record high in England for this time of year.
This follows higher numbers of flu cases hitting a month earlier than normal this year, with experts warning of a more severe strain of the virus circulating.
One simple way to help keep the household healthy for the big day is to check whether you or your loved ones are eligible for winter vaccinations.
Free flu vaccines are available for:
- Adults 65+
- People with certain long-term health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Carers and those living with someone with a weakened immune system
- Care home residents
- Children aged 2-3 via GP practices
- School-age children Reception to Year 11
- Children 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term conditions
Covid-19 vaccines are offered to:
- Adults 75+
- Residents in older adult care homes
- People with weakened immune systems
The NHS also recommends the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and older adults, as RSV can cause serious winter illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Adults 65+ can also get the pneumococcal vaccine to help protect against serious infections, including pneumonia.
Other winter bugs such as Norovirus are also doing the rounds and whilst vaccination is most effective for Flu, Covid-19 and RSV, washing your hands with soap and water is also key to preventing food poisoning, diarrhoea and other viruses from spreading.
Visit the NHS website to find out more about eligibility for winter vaccinations and how to get the family protected.