Eligible people in Leicestershire and Rutland can get a free flu and COVID vaccine from Thursday as the annual programme of vaccinations begins. NHS bosses have urged over 65s, pregnant women, care home residents and clinically vulnerable people to book in ahead of winter.
Dr Nil Sanganee on winter risk
Dr Nil Sanganee, the chief medical officer of the local NHS Integrated Care Board, said it was "vitally important" to protect those that need it most. He said vulnerable people could become "seriously unwell" without the vaccines, and that flu and Covid-19 can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses.
He also said, "Pneumonia and other serious illnesses can develop from flu and Covid-19, which is why we urge all eligible people to get vaccinated before winter fully sets in, so that the vaccines are fully effective within their bodies," and added that people aged 65 or over, including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027, can qualify.
Leicestershire and Rutland eligibility
The free jabs also cover people aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, main carers for an older or disabled person, people who receive a carer's allowance, and people who live with someone with a weakened immune system. The list also includes people experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter, frontline health and social care workers, people aged 75 or over, including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027, and people aged six months to 74 years with a weakened immune system.
Dr Sanganee said, "Older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are affected more by winter viruses and it's why we're encouraging them and all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible." He said viruses spread at a faster rate during the colder months, and that immunity from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against new variants of both viruses.
Annual programme of vaccinations
The annual programme is starting now so protection can build before winter fully sets in. Eligible people in Leicestershire and Rutland can book their free vaccinations as the rollout continues, with NHS bosses saying the jabs really do save lives ahead of the winter months.
