Why it matters: These vaccinations protect against serious illnesses and potential hospitalisation during the busy winter months.
Key details:
Vaccines are available from 3 October.
Eligible groups include adults 65 and over, care home residents and those with certain underlying health conditions.
Frontline health and social care staff will also be offered the vaccines.
For the first time, a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is available for those aged 75-79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks.
How to book:
Via the NHS website
Through the NHS App
By calling 119 for free
What they're saying:
Michelle Kane, Director for Vaccinations at NHS England, said: "The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses – and it takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119, so I would urge everyone eligible to do so, to protect themselves and people around them."
Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, added: "Many people who are more vulnerable to getting a severe illness from respiratory viruses like flu and COVID-19 are not aware they are at greater risk and eligible for these vaccines. If you are pregnant or have a certain long-term condition you should be offered the vaccines – if unsure, please speak with a trusted nurse or doctor."
The bottom line: The NHS hopes this year's vaccination campaign will help avoid a potential "tripledemic" of RSV, COVID-19, and flu. Eligible Ipswich residents are encouraged to book their vaccinations promptly to ensure protection during the winter months.
