Flu vaccines now available

Now is the time to get your Influenza (flu) and Covid-19 vaccinations. At Arch we have been in contact with our patients who are eligible for flu jabs. If you have heard from us about this, do contact the surgery to book yours in, we will endeavour to fit you in whenever is convenient for you. If you are also interested in getting your Covid booster, we can point you to locations that are offering this, near the surgery. Both flu and Covid vaccinations can be taken close together, no time is needed between these two jabs.

Vaccinations for winter viruses are important because flu and Covid-19 can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

The best time to have your vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before winter viruses start to spread.

This year’s flu and Covid-19 vaccinations offer the best protection against winter viruses to help you stay healthy throughout the winter months.

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

• are 50 and over
• 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 infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• frontline health or social care workers

Flu vaccination is important because:

• if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill
• getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses
• If you’ve had COVID-19, it’s safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, on 01273 003930