Autumn and winter Covid-19 and flu vaccination programme launches in Leicestershire

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) are urging all eligible people to get vaccinated.

An autumn Covid-19 and flu vaccination campaign launches today to protect the most vulnerable.

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) are urging all eligible people to get vaccinated, especially those that would benefit from the vaccines the most, such as pregnant women, or those who are clinically vulnerable to Covid-19 and flu.

The eligible cohorts for both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations as part of the autumn and winter vaccinations programme includes:

• those aged 65 and over

• residents in care homes for older people

• persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women

• frontline health and social care worker and staff in care homes for older adults

Dr Virginia Ashman, clinical lead for the immunisation programme in LLR said: “It is important to get vaccinated regularly with both the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations to boost your protection, even if you have previously been vaccinated. The immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against currently circulating variants of both viruses.

“Vulnerable people that contract Covid-19 or flu can become seriously unwell and could require hospital treatment. Getting vaccinated will provide the best possible protection against both viruses and is especially important to do before winter sets in. This is so that the vaccines can become effective within your body. We can’t stress enough that vaccinations really do save lives.”

To find out more about this year’s autumn / winter vaccination programme please visit the brand new LLR ICB vaccination hub: www.leicesterleicestershireandrutland.icb.nhs.uk/vaccinations/.