The 2016 Stay Well This Winter and flu vaccination campaign is getting under way across Berkshire, with the aim of easing pressure on NHS services by avoiding unnecessary hospital admissions.
The NHS and public health teams at Berkshire’s local authorities want to encourage as many people as possible who are eligible for free flu vaccinations to take up the offer.
While healthy people can recover from flu in about a week, older people, younger children or people who have certain health conditions can suffer serious complications from flu.
Free flu vaccinations are available from GP surgeries and selected pharmacies for a number of groups of people considered at risk.
These are:
- Those aged 65 and over
- People aged under 65 with specific clinical conditions including diabetes and heart disease, or who have a learning disability or neurological condition.
- Pregnant women
- All two-, three- and four-year-olds
- All children in school years 1, 2 and 3
- Carers
This year, for the first time, all children in Year 3 at school are eligible for free vaccinations, in addition to pupils in Years 1 and 2.
Children are now vaccinated using a nasal spray, rather than by injections. In most cases, vaccinations for school-age children will be offered through their schools.
Click here for more information about the Stay Well This Winter campaign and flu vaccinations or contact your GP surgery.
