Don’t let winter bugs steal your festive fun - get protected now!
The countdown to Christmas is here, but so are winter viruses - which is why health teams across the region are urging people to protect themselves against flu, and COVID-19 - before the festive fun begins.
Across the North East and North Cumbria, more than 1.1 million people have already taken steps to protect themselves this winter with 869,089 having their flu jab and a further 233,059 people getting a COVID-19 vaccination.
Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory consultant and medical director, NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “When preparing for Christmas, please make getting your winter vaccines part of your plans.
"These viruses are not the same as simple colds – they can cause serious illness, especially in the very young, older people, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions.
“Every year we see too many people admitted to hospital, seriously unwell, because of these viruses – when having a quick and safe vaccine could have helped to prevent it.
“It takes about two weeks for your body to build protection after a vaccination, so getting your jab now means you’ll be well protected by the time the festive season arrives. So, give yourself the best start to Christmas by getting protected and ready to celebrate safely with the people you love.”
Around 1.7 million people across the region are eligible for a free flu vaccine, and 401,000 can get a free COVID-19 jab. More than 950 vaccination sites are open in GP practices, community pharmacies and local hospitals.
Flu vaccines are available for people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, adult care home residents, frontline heath and care staff, carers, people with long-term health conditions, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, children aged 2–3 and school-aged children up to Year 11.
COVID-19 vaccinations are also available for over 75s, care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed.
Adults can book their vaccinations online at nhs.uk, through the NHS App, or by calling 119 free of charge.
Parents of children under 16 are being reminded to give consent for school vaccinations. Children aged 2–3 can receive a free flu nasal spray at their GP practice or pharmacy, and pregnant women can receive protection for their unborn baby, and themselves, at their GP practice, pharmacy, or during antenatal appointments.
Extra vaccination clinics will also run, over the next two weeks, giving people more chances to get protected before Christmas.
Details of all regional walk-in clinics can be found here: Winter vaccines
COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, along with blood pressure checks, diabetes screening and stop smoking advice, will also be available from NHS health teams at the following regional football matches:
29 November, 3pm – Spennymoor Town v Chester, The Brewery Field
29 November, 3pm – Sunderland v Bournemouth, Beacon of Light
13 December, 7:45pm – Spennymoor Town v Buxton, The Brewery Field
20 December, 3pm – Spennymoor Town v Oxford City, The Brewery Field
20 December, 3pm – Darlington v King’s Lynn Town, Blackwell Meadows
21 December, 3pm – Gateshead v Eastleigh, Gateshead International Stadium
“Flu and COVID-19 cases are expected to rise over the next few weeks,” added Dr Monaghan.
“Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell. By getting vaccinated now, you can protect yourself, your family and your community – helping everyone enjoy a safer, healthier Christmas.”