Have you had your flu vaccination and Covid-19 booster?

News from: Reading Borough Council

This winter, it’s more important than ever to get your flu vaccination and take up the offer of the Covid-19 booster jab, if you are eligible. 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 and lockdowns. Research has shown that if you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time, you’re more likely to get seriously ill. Making sure you get your flu jab as well as both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine and the booster jab will help protect you and those around you.

Who is eligible?
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
-Frontline health or social care workers

Some people may be eligible for both the flu and the Covid-19 booster vaccines. If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time. You can book your Covid-19 booster dose online if it’s been 5 months (152 days) since you had your 2nd dose and you are eligible. You’ll be offered appointment dates from 6 months after the date of your 2nd dose.

You can get your flu vaccine at:
-Your GP surgery
-A pharmacy offering the service
–Your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
-A hospital appointment

Find out more about where to get your flu vaccine and how to book your appointment.

Find your nearest vaccination site for your Covid-19 first, second or booster jab, or book and manage your appointment online.

Further information
-Please find more information and translated materials available on the Reading Services Guide by clicking here: Flu and Covid vaccination Campaign – Winter 2021/2022 | Reading Services Guide.
-You can also find easy read, simple text versions of resources and information on flu vaccinations for people with a learning disability by following the links here: Flu vaccination: easy-read flu vaccination resources, Flu vaccinations For People With A Learning Disability, Flu vaccination: simple text information for adults and children.
-Reading Voluntary Action run a central telephone helpline if you have any further questions or need support with booking your vaccinations: 01183 341091.