The East London NHS Foundation Trust urged elderly people, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant people to get a flu jab and COVID booster as winter approaches

The NHS has urged vulnerable patients eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to come forward as winter approaches.

You may be eligible for the flu Jab and COVID-19 vaccine, if you are pregnant, 65 years old or over, you have some chronic health conditions, including respiratory conditions, diabetes, heart conditions, liver disease, some neurological conditions, a weakened immune system, and sickle cell disease. The NHS says that young children aged two and three are particularly at risk from flu.

Judith Lewsey, NELFT nurse and flu campaign lead, said: “With the weather getting colder, the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help you and your loved ones get winter strong. They can help prepare your immune system, helping to make you better able to fight off these illnesses if they come your way.

“It only takes a few moments to get vaccinated. Join the millions of others in taking up the offer ahead of the festive and new year season when flu and COVID-19 are expected to peak. Now is the time to get protected.”

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can contact your GP surgery to book an appointment. It’s also possible to find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccinations or book a flu vaccination appointments online or in the NHS App.

It’s also worth noting that some people can get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.

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