NHS TEAMS across the North West are ramping up the winter flu vaccination offer in the countdown to Christmas, with supermarkets, shopping centres, community centres and even a football ground hosting vaccination buses across the region.

The vaccination drive kicks off this weekend as those eligible for their free flu jab are urged to get vaccinated now to get protected before the festive period, as the vaccine usually takes two weeks to be fully effective.

In the next week there are over 300,000 flu vaccination appointments available across the North West, making it easier than ever for eligible people to get this important protection.

Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said: 

“We know people’s lives are incredibly busy at this time of year, but whilst out and about Christmas shopping, I want to encourage as many people as possible who are eligible, to also make time for important vaccinations.

“Across the North West as well as GPs and pharmacists offering flu vaccines, we also have vaccination buses visiting supermarkets and town centres making it as easy as possible for people to access jabs.”

Vaccination buses are travelling to places such as:

• Shopping centres including Time Square in Warrington, Birkenhead, Burnley and Huyton Town Centres.
• Preston North End’s Deepdale Stadium and FC United of Manchester
• Supermarkets like Lidl in Blackpool, Tesco Extra Leyland , Asda Runcorn and Asda Bootle and Booths in Burscough and Lancaster.

Today’s weekly data shows NHS teams in the North West have now delivered 1.8 million flu vaccines since the programme started in September.

Early seasonal data shows vaccination remains the best defence against flu for children and adults, who are receiving strong protection from this year’s flu vaccine despite the emergence of a new flu sub-strain driving an unusually early flu season.

UKHSA’s first Cold-Health Alert of the season also reminded the public that cold weather can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Other steps people can take to stay well this winter include keeping a medicine cabinet at home stocked with essentials like pain relief and cold and flu remedies, regularly washing hands to help reduce the spread of infection and using services such as community pharmacy to manage minor illnesses and injuries.

Dr Paula Cowan, GP and Regional Medical Director for Primary Care for NHS England in the North West said:

“We usually see a huge jump in demand for services in winter and one of the most important things the public can do to support the NHS is, if the are eligible, to get vaccinated.

“Vaccines offer the best possible protection against serious illness, and getting vaccinated not only protects you, but helps protect your friends and family too.”

If you need urgent medical help but you’re not sure where to go, use 111 to get assessed and directed to the right place for you. Call, go online or use the NHS App.

ENDS