PEOPLE eligible for a Covid-19 or flu vaccination are being reminded it’s not too late to come forward amid rising levels of illness.
NHS Hampshire & Isle of Wight said although more than 420,000 free Covid jabs had been delivered across the region, 40% of those eligible still haven’t come forward for theirs.
The Covid vaccination booking deadline is 31st January, while those needing to book a free flu jab have until 31st March.
Booking slots for Covid-19 and flu vaccinations are still open
More than 595,000 flu vaccinations have so far been administered, with the health authority stressing January is the best time to ensure protection when the risk of contracting flu is at its highest.
NHS figures for England have shown a continued increase in the number of patients in hospital with flu.
Last week, the average figure was 5,407 per day – up from just under 4,500 the previous week.
Dr Matt Nisbet, a local GP and clinical lead for the Covid-19 vaccination programme at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: “With cases of flu rising across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight it is more important than ever to get vaccinated.
“It is the best way for people to ensure they and their families are protected against the viruses, especially at this time of year as they spread more easily when people spend more time indoors.
“It isn’t too late to get vaccinated, but it is important to book in as soon as possible as it takes about two weeks following vaccination to build up your maximum defence against the viruses.”
He added: “It is crucial to get this protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before, as immunity fades over time and the viruses change each year.”
People eligible for both Covid and flu vaccines include those aged 65 and over.
Those aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group are also eligible, including people diagnosed with a chronic respiratory disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, diabetes; and pregnant women.
Others eligible are frontline health and social care workers, including staff in care homes for older adults.
People who are not eligible to receive a Covid vaccination but can have a free flu vaccination include carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
Parents and carers of two to three-year-olds are also urged to get their toddlers booked in for a flu vaccination. This is offered as a nasal spray.
Those experiencing cold and flu symptoms on the day of their vaccinations are advised to rebook for when they are well.
People can book by downloading the NHS App, contacting their GP or local community pharmacy directly, or by calling 119 free if they cannot get online.
Further information on who is eligible for free vaccinations this winter can be found online at tinyurl.com/3hwwnvvy
Anyone with queries can call the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Covid-19 vaccination helpline on 0300 561 0018, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.