Thousands of people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have said yes to protecting themselves against winter illnesses by having their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The vaccination programme started earlier this month protecting the most vulnerable, by offering the flu and COVID-19 jabs to those in care homes and housebound people.
And in the first two weeks of the programme going live, more than 73,500 people have been vaccinated.
Dr Matt Nisbet, Hampshire GP and clinical lead for the COVID-19 vaccination programme, said: “Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect ourselves against respiratory illnesses that become more common in the winter months.
“The new COVID-19 variant presents a new risk, which is why our vaccination programme has been brought forward, and I’m pleased to see so many people get their vaccinations.
“I strongly encourage all eligible people to come forward for their lifesaving winter vaccines as soon as they can. Especially as you can also make sure you are vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19 at the same time, saving you time and keeping you healthy.”
Anyone eligible can book their COVID-19 vaccination via the NHS website www.nhs.uk, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online – including all aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with an underlying health condition.
GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and people can book the flu vaccine by searching online for a local pharmacy.
COVID-19 vaccination for those aged under 18 years will begin later in the year – the NHS will let eligible families know when this offer opens.
This year’s adult COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme has been brought forward on the advice of scientists following the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant (BA.2.86), which has a high number of mutations.
To find out more about the vaccination programmes, including who is eligible, information about vaccine safety and where you can get vaccinated, visit hantsiowhealthandcare.org.uk
You can also call the HIOW Covid Vaccination Helpline on 0300 561 0018 and is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am to 1pm.