Free flu vaccinations are being rolled out to Barking and Dagenham residents aged 50 to 64 from December.
This winter, because of the coronavirus pandemic, the NHS has the largest flu vaccination programme ever with vaccination now being offered to those aged 50 to 64 years old.
In Barking and Dagenham we are continuing to vaccinate those in priority groups who are most at risk from flu (such as those with long-term health conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and young children), but there is now enough vaccine available to offer to residents aged 50 to 64 years old.
With Covid-19 in circulation, the programme is being extended to this new group because this is the age at which hospitalisations for Covid-19 start to increase.
It is important to prevent flu in this group to avoid serious illness and reduce hospitalisations caused by flu.
Also, research shows that if you get both flu and Covid-19 at the same time you may be more seriously ill. If you are aged 50 to 64 years old you will be invited to attend a flu clinic in December or January by your GP practice.
Alternatively, you may contact any pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations.
I encourage all residents eligible for the vaccine to do all they can to protect themselves from the flu, and to talk to your GP practice about getting the flu vaccine this winter.