“Last chance” call over flu vaccinations

Thousands of eligible people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who have not yet come forward for flu vaccinations have been reminded that they have only a few days left to get their jab this winter.

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

• are 65 and over (including those who will turn 65 by 31 March);
• have certain health conditions;
• are pregnant;
• are in long-stay residential care;
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are 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 a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Most eligible people will have been offered a vaccination appointment or drop-in by their general practice, but you can go to any pharmacy which is offering jabs, even if you previously declined.

Over 278,000 vaccinations had been given in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes by the end of February, as part of the current offer.

Dr Andrew Rochford, chief medical officer at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:

“There are thousands of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes who are eligible for a free flu vaccination, but have not yet come forward.  There are lots of different strains of the flu virus, so it’s important to get your jab every year if you are eligible.  Every year, our healthcare services come under enormous pressure from illness caused by flu.  Our advice remains the same: getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones against serious illness. 

“There are lots of reasons why you may not yet have had your flu vaccination.  Perhaps you were unwell and unable to get your jab at the start of the winter, or maybe you originally said no but have changed your mind.  If you’ve only just found out that you’re pregnant, you may not have been eligible until now.  Whatever the reason, it’s still not too late, but the offer will close on 31 March. Make sure you don’t miss out.”

If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over).

You can check your eligibility for the flu vaccination at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations, where you can also find answers to some common questions.