Free flu vaccinations are available to eligible Hammersmith & Fulham residents to help protect against the potentially dangerous virus.
An estimated 25,000 H&F residents could contract the flu this winter, so it makes sense to do all you can to stay protected.
Getting your free vaccination is a simple and easy step to help try and prevent the illness during the colder winter months, when cases are most common.
“A bout of the flu can be at best, hugely unpleasant, and at worst lethal,” said Cllr Ben Coleman, H&F Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care.
“So if you haven’t already, make sure you book an appointment to get your vaccination now.”
Free flu vaccinations are available across Hammersmith & Fulham for young children, residents aged over 65, pregnant women, carers and those with long-term illness. And there is no need for parents to worry as children receive their vaccination through a painless nasal spray.
For most people, flu causes the unpleasant symptoms of fever, cough, headaches and joint pains. But for some at-risk residents, it can lead to severe complications that may even be fatal. Those most at risk of complications from the virus are children, pregnant women, or residents with existing medical conditions.
Who should have the vaccination?
- Everyone aged 65 and over (this includes anybody that will be 65 and over on 31 March 2018)
- People aged aged six months – 65 with one of the following: heart problem, chest complaint or breathing difficulties including severe asthma, bronchitis or emphysema, liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, neurological condition
- All pregnant women
- School children in years one, two and three
- Two, three and four-year-old children
- Everyone living in a residential or nursing home
- Everyone who cares for an older or disabled person
- Household contacts of anyone who is immunocompromised
- All frontline health and social care workers
You can have your flu vaccination at:
- Your GP surgery – please contact your surgery to book an appointment or to find out if they run an open access flu clinic.
- A local pharmacy offering the service (only for eligible adults).
- For pregnant women, please contact your surgery to book an appointment or to find out if they run an open access flu clinic, however, your midwifery service may offer this to you
- For school children in years 1,2 and 3, your school will notify you if they are offering flu clinics.
It is best to get your flu vaccination as early as possible in the autumn, so contact your GP now to find out more about their flu clinic dates and get yourself and your loved ones protected this winter.
Free vaccines for carers
All carers in the borough, whether employed in a care home, nursing home or via an agency, are entitled to a free vaccination from their community pharmacist.
If you care for an older or disabled person who would be at risk if you were ill you may be able to get a free vaccine. You can also get one if you get Carer’s Allowance.
Find out more about the flu vaccinations.
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