Last chance to get vaccinated before Christmas

With Christmas less than two weeks away, people eligible for Covid-19 and flu vaccinations are being urged to get vaccinated as soon as possible if they’re not already.

The NHS in Lincolnshire is also keen to remind people across the county that now the winter months are upon us, the NHS system is getting progressively busier, especially in A&E and urgent care settings.

“The important thing about getting vaccinated is that it will give you vital protection during the busy festive period and beyond, helping to prevent serious illness, death and minimise hospitalisations,” comments Steve Clapton, Head of Immunisation and Screening, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.

“As expected at this time of year we’re seeing plenty of evidence of the usual seasonal pressures on the NHS system locally and around the country, however, we are also seeing a number of people in A&E and urgent care with respiratory conditions, which tend to be worsened by the colder weather.”

People with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are especially likely to suffer during the colder winter months, which makes it just as important – if not more so - for them to get their vaccinations this winter.

“It’s also worth remembering that, as well as the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations, people with COPD should also have the one-off pneumococcal vaccination which, like the flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, is recommended for people at higher risk including adults aged 65 and over, and that will help protect them against serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis,” adds Steve,

You can get a flu vaccination and/or a pneumococcal vaccination at your GP practice or a local community pharmacy that offers a vaccination service. 

Eligible people can book an appointment for a Covid-19 vaccination online using the NHS website until 20^th December or by downloading the NHS app, or by calling 119 for free, and may be offered a flu vaccination at the same time.  Alternatively, flu vaccinations can be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy.

Whilst it will no longer be possible to book online after 20^th December, 119 will stay open until the end of January and will be signpost people to walk-in sites.  The Covid-19 vaccination will be available until 31^st January and the flu vaccination will be available until 31^st March.