Over a quarter of a million people in mid and south Essex have protected themselves from flu, and more than 200,000 from COVID-19 by taking up the offer of free winter vaccinations to help them fight off seasonal illness this winter.

For some, flu or COVID-19 can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill or who are most likely to pass it on to other people at risk.

Dr Anna Davey, GP leader for Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board said:

“While most people will be able to fight off a bout of flu or COVID-19, some people are much more vulnerable to serious illness. If you are in one of these vulnerable groups or care for someone who is, making sure you are up-to-date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.”

People who are eligible for this year’s seasonal vaccinations will be sent a reminder to book their jabs – but they don’t have to wait until they are invited before making an appointment.

These are the main groups of people who are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this season:

• people who are pregnant
• people aged 65 years and over
• people in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• people who live with someone more likely to get infections (such as someone living with HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• frontline health and social care staff

Flu vaccinations are also offered to children via the school vaccination programme.

People can check their eligibility for free winter vaccinations and find out how to book by visiting the mid and south Essex vaccination page.

For further information, hints and tips on how to stay well this winter, residents in mid and south Essex can sign up for a series of e-newsletters to be sent direct to their inbox covering different winter health topics such as managing respiratory conditions, looking after one’s mental health and preventing falls. To sign up, visit the mid and south Essex website.