- NHS is running pop-up flu jab clinics across the country during Black Friday and Christmas shopping
- People at higher risk, including over-65s, clinical risk groups, pregnant women, and children, are urged to get vaccinated now
- Cold weather raises health risks, and COVID boosters remain available for the most vulnerable
NHS teams are ramping up their flu vaccine offer to tap those looking for Black Friday deals or Christmas shopping.
The country-wide vaccination drive kicks off this weekend with local teams hosting pop-up clinics across shopping centres, high streets, football clubs and soft play areas.
Those eligible for their free flu jab are being urged to get vaccinated now to get protected before the festive period, as the vaccine takes two weeks to be fully effective.
“Catch a bargain not a bug this winter – and find your nearest pop-up clinic via your NHS regional webpage for when you’re out and about, or as usual you can check your local pharmacy for their drop-in service, book an appointment online or by calling 119, or speak to your GP practice today about your winter flu vaccine,” said Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England
He said that this year the flu has hit early and the country just faced the first cold snap of the season, which can be dangerous for those over the age of 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.
Those eligible include people aged 65 and above, those in clinical risk groups and close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and children, care home residents and carers, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.
Parents are being reminded to complete their child’s school vaccination consent forms or to book an appointment for 2 to 3-year-olds, to ensure their child’s protection from flu ahead of the Christmas break.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said, “We’re making it easier than ever – NHS teams will be in shopping centres and on high streets across the country over the coming days, so you can get your jab while doing your Christmas shopping.”
He added that the other measures to prepare the health system for the colder months include stress testing winter plans, making sure community teams have the vaccines they need, and identifying vulnerable patients.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned that cold weather can have a serious impact on health, leading to increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and chest infections, particularly for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.
COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed, with 4.3 million delivered so far this season.
Community pharmacies ignored: Picard
However, NPA chair Olivier Picard has criticised the government and the NHS for not involving community pharmacies for its flu jab programme.
In a LinkedIn post, he said, "I’m a commissioned vaccinator. I am already providing flu vaccines for 2- and 3-year-olds using the nasal spray. I have the stock in my fridge. I have the capacity in my diary. I could open appointments tomorrow and run clinics six days next week… at no extra cost to the NHS.
"And yet, rather than using the community pharmacies that already exist and have proven our capability time and again (remember COVID?), millions are being spent on pop-up clinics while vaccines sit in my fridge waiting to be used."
He said the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England keep overlooking the very people "who are already embedded in their local communities, trusted by families, and ready to deliver?
"Why are we still treated as an afterthought when it comes to providing services to our own communities."
