Get vaccinated to protect yourself and loved ones

Health and care chiefs have launched a Cheshire-wide social media campaign urging people to get their Covid-19 booster and flu vaccination as soon as possible.

The campaign by the NHS, both councils and patient champion Healthwatch Cheshire warns that flu and Covid-19 can both be life threatening and spread more easily in the winter when people are crowded together inside.

Dr Rebecca Banks, Chester GP and clinical lead for urgent and emergency care at NHS Cheshire CCG, said: “Most adults and children will be eligible for a flu jab, Covid-19 booster or both. It’s the most effective way to boost our natural immunity and protect ourselves from viruses.

“So book your vaccine appointments now and boost your immunity this winter”.

She urged anyone who was jabbed in the early stages of the Covid-19 vaccination programme to come forward now for their booster vaccination.

Among those eligible for a booster jab are older care home residents, frontline health and care staff, all adults aged 50 or over and anyone with an underlying health condition that places them at higher risk.

Dr Andrew Wilson, Sandbach GP and CCG clinical chair, said: “Booster vaccinations are being delivered now at dozens of GP and pharmacy-led vaccination centres across Cheshire. If you’re eligible, the quickest way to arrange your booster vaccination is online via the National Booking Service or by calling 119. There’s no need to contact your GP practice.”

Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, added: “In addition to the Covid vaccines, flu vaccination is being offered to more people than ever before this winter to reduce the risk of people falling seriously ill from a combination of flu and Covid-19, and to stop the NHS being overwhelmed.”

Flu vaccination is important because:

• more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the Covid-19 pandemic
• 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.

For more information on Covid vaccination, including booster jabs, visit www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk and select “Covid-19 vaccination programme- what you need to know.” The page links to a series of Frequently Asked Questions which go into great detail on booster vaccination eligibility and accessibility.

For detailed information on Covid booster vaccinations, visit:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-59116051.

For more information on who is eligible for the flu jab and how to get it, visit:

www.nhs.uk and search for “flu vaccination.”

Partners in the Cheshire-wide social media campaign are:

• Cheshire East Council
• Cheshire East Partnership
• Cheshire West and Chester Council
• Cheshire West and Chester Integrated Care Partnership
• Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (FT)
• Countess of Chester Hospital NHS FT
• East Cheshire NHS Trust
• Healthwatch Cheshire
• Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS FT
• NHS Cheshire CCG
• North West Ambulance Service.