Flu

Flu occurs every year, usually in the winter, which is why it’s sometimes called seasonal flu. It’s a highly infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly. To find out more about the symptoms of flu visit the NHS website.

Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why?

The flu vaccine provides the best protection available against a virus that can cause severe illness.

If you are eligible for flu vaccination, you need to be vaccinated every year as the antibodies that protect you from flu decline over time, and flu strains change from year to year. It can take up to two weeks for your immunity to build up fully after you have had your flu vaccine. NHS Flu vaccine.

Where can you get the flu jab in Worcestershire?

To find a pharmacy that offers the flu jab visit NHS flu vaccine

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Who should have it and why?

Booster doses are an important part of protecting yourself from COVID-19 if you are at higher risk from severe COVID-19. Booster doses help increase your protection from becoming seriously ill or needing to go to hospital if you catch COVID-19.

Where can you get the COVID-19 booster vaccination

You can visit this website to find out where you can get the covid booster vaccination locally to you:

How to get a booster dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine

Work in Health and Social Care?

For those working in a care home or health and care environment, where there are many vulnerable people, it is incredibly important to have the free flu and COVID-19 vaccine. It not only helps to protect you and your immediate family, but also helps to protect the people you support.

If you are a carer and need further advice or support, you can also contact our local carers organisations and they will advise you if you are able to receive your COVID-19 vaccine: Worcestershire Association of Carers. 

If you are an unpaid carer, you may be eligible for free PPE, you can complete the online form: Sign-up form for the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Portal.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) 

Some PPE remains free either until March 2024 or until current stocks are depleted.

There is guidance on infection prevention and control: COVID-19: infection prevention and control (IPC) - GOV.UK

NHS Health checks

An NHS Health Check is a free check-up of your overall health that can tell you whether you're at higher risk of getting certain health problems.