Free flu vaccines offered across South West to vulnerable people
Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:16 · Archive
Free flu vaccines are now available across Swindon, Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset to eligible groups.
A flu vaccination campaign has begun across the South West to protect vulnerable people. Free vaccines are now available to eligible groups across Swindon and Wiltshire, as well as Dorset and Somerset.
The flu jab is free for people aged 65 and over, under-65s with certain health conditions, care home residents, pregnant women, frontline health and care workers, and people who live with someone who is immunocompromised. Children are also eligible.
Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards Cluster, said flu can be serious and life-threatening. 'The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way for people to reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell,' he said.
Dr Coakley emphasised that vaccination protects not only individuals but also those around them. 'Having the vaccine not only gives a person's immunity a much-needed boost but also makes them less infectious to others,' he said.
The programme aims to protect families and reduce the spread of flu in the community. Dr Coakley noted that children are particularly important to the effort. 'Children are often good at sharing viruses, so when they take up the vaccine, it not only helps protect them, it also helps to stop them from spreading flu to others at greater risk, such as their grandparents,' he said.
How it is being reported
- Free flu vaccines offered across South West to protect vulnerable peopleA fresh flu vaccination campaign has begun to protect vulnerable people in the South WestGazette & Herald · 10 Oct, 05:00
- Free flu vaccines offered across South West to protect vulnerable peopleA fresh flu vaccination campaign has begun to protect vulnerable people in the South WestSwindon Advertiser · 10 Oct, 05:00
- Free flu vaccines offered across South West to protect vulnerable peopleA fresh flu vaccination campaign has begun to protect vulnerable people in the South WestThis Is Wiltshire · 10 Oct, 05:00
- Free flu vaccines offered across South West to protect vulnerable peopleA fresh flu vaccination campaign has begun to protect vulnerable people in the South WestWiltshire Times · 10 Oct, 05:00
In this story: Dr Barry Coakley · Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset Integra · South West · Swindon · Wiltshire · Dorset · Somerset
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