Community leaders’ plea as tens of thousands get vaccinated
Community leaders in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG) are championing seasonal flu and Covid-19 vaccination with more than 160,000 local people already vaccinated for Covid-19 this Autumn.
Local politicians including Karin Smyth MP and Darren Jones MP have joined community figures including Jo Brooks, Co-chair of the Bristol Race and Health Equity Covid-19 Steering Group, Bristol’s Deputy Mayor Asher Craig, Healthwatch’s Vicky Marriott, Caafi Health Director Huda Hajinur, and Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees calling for people to get vaccinated to help protect themselves, loved ones and work colleagues.
Their unified message is to urge people to take control and, if eligible, consider booking a vaccine now as the best way to prevent serious illness from flu or Covid-19. The call is supported by a significant ‘Get Winter Strong’ promotional campaign from the NHS locally, offering free vaccines to those at greater risk of serious illness this winter.
Those who can currently get both vaccines through the NHS include everyone aged 65 and over, pregnant women, care home residents, people aged 6 months old or above with certain health conditions, frontline health and care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of those at higher risk.
The flu vaccine is also being offered to children including all aged 2 and 3 years old and school aged children from reception to year 11, as well as those with underlying health conditions. It is usually given as a quick and painless spray up the nose.
Last winter, 237 children attended the Emergency Department with flu in the BNSSG area and 90% of children hospitalised had not had the flu vaccine or were vaccinated too late to be protected.
To find out more about eligibility, booking and local walk-in centres log onto www.grabajab.net.
Be in control. Get vaccinated this winter.