2 April 2025
New Women’s Health Network launched in Luton
Luton’s Women’s Health Network has been officially launched – putting women’s health at the forefront of the agenda and providing help and support to 112,000…
Home » “Get your COVID and flu jabs this winter,” older people urged as cases rise
COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments are now available for booking for all eligible groups, but thousands of people in the local area have still not made arrangements to receive them in advance of winter.
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
Most eligible people will be offered a vaccination appointment or drop-in by their general practice, but you can also go to any pharmacy or other location which is offering jabs this winter.
There are over 65 locations in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes offering COVID-19 vaccinations to anyone who is eligible. As with the flu campaign, you don’t need to wait to be invited before coming forward.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available to adults who:
The flu vaccine is also available to children, most of whom will receive a visit from an NHS vaccination team at their school. If your child was aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023, or aged over 6 months to 2 years and in clinical risk groups, s/he is also eligible and you should contact your GP surgery to find out how to get a vaccination.
Some children are also eligible because of a health condition, or because they live with someone who is at increased risk of serious illness.
Dr Sarah Whiteman, chief medical director at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board, said:
“Again this year, we are seeing a double threat from flu and COVID-19, so it’s crucial that you take up your free vaccinations as soon as possible. There is a close relationship between getting older and increased risk from severe respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 and flu, so I cannot stress enough how important it is to take up your vaccination entitlement. They could well save your life.
“All those over 65 are now eligible for the jabs, and many people in this age group may still have low natural immunity due to some of the restrictions which have been put in place over the last three winters. Both vaccines have a good safety and effectiveness record: any side-effects are generally mild and do not last for more than a few days.
“Having your jabs is the best way to protect yourself and those closest to you, and there’s still time for eligible people to get them: just speak to your pharmacist or your general practice for more details.
“You can also find the latest information about both vaccines and how to book by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations.”
For press enquiries, please email blmkicb.communications@nhs.net
2 April 2025
New Women’s Health Network launched in Luton
Luton’s Women’s Health Network has been officially launched – putting women’s health at the forefront of the agenda and providing help and support to 112,000…
27 March 2025
“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…
26 March 2025
Youth Parliament Members urge NHS Board to innovate and prevent illness
Young voices took centre stage at the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) meeting on 21 March, as members of the Central Bedfordshire Youth Parliament shared…
25 March 2025
Women’s Health Summit to launch new Women’s Health Network
A Women’s Health Summit will be held this week to mark the launch ofa new Women’s Health Network for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK). BLMK Integrated Care Board (ICB)…
14 March 2025
Women unite for breast cancer awareness on International Women’s Day
Demonstrating a strong sense of community solidarity, women from Bedford’s Caribbean community gathered at Fujifilm in Bedford this week to mark International Women’s Day. The event focused on raising awareness…
14 March 2025
Robotic pets provide comfort and companionship for local residents
With funding from NHS England, the Digitising Social Care programme at Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Health and Care Partnership is evaluating the impact of RoboPets on adults receiving social…