Get protected this Winter – book your flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations

As the colder months approach, residents across Tameside are being urged to protect themselves from flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by booking their vaccines.

Eligible residents can book appointments through their GP surgery, certain local pharmacies, the NHS website, app, or by calling 119 if they can’t get online.

Who can get the flu vaccine?

From October 3, flu vaccinations will be available to:

• Individuals aged 65 and over
• People aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups
• Residents in long-stay care homes
• Frontline social care workers
• Carers for elderly or disabled people
• Close contacts of immunocompromised people

This follows the September rollout to pregnant women, all toddlers aged 2 or 3-years-old on 31 August 2024, and school children up to Year 11, as well as children aged 6 months to 18 in clinical risk groups.

Protection from the flu vaccine goes down with time and the types of flu virus the vaccine protects against are updated each year. This is why it's important to get the flu vaccine every year.

COVID-19 Autumn Booster

The autumn COVID-19 booster will also be available for:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Care home residents and staff
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People aged from 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups
• Pregnant women

Introducing the RSV Vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. RSV infections usually get better by themselves but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.  In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of a chest infection called bronchiolitis, which can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital. For the first time, the NHS is also offering an RSV vaccine to protect vulnerable individuals. It is now available for:

• Pregnant women from the week 28 of pregnancy, to help protect their newborns
• People aged 75 to 79 from 1 September 2024

Pregnant women are encouraged to speak with their midwifery service or GP surgery to arrange the RSV vaccine. Eligible adults aged 75 to 79 should contact their GP surgery.

Dean Kleban, 44, from Stalybridge, said:  "I've just had my flu vaccine for this year as I’m a carer for my nan, and it’s such a simple way to protect yourself and others. If you're eligible for any of the available winter vaccinations, I’d really encourage you to book yours too - it helps keep us all safer this winter."

James Mallion, Interim Director for Public Health at Tameside Council, said: "As we face another challenging winter, it's vital that everyone eligible takes the opportunity to protect themselves from serious illness. These vaccines not only safeguard your health but also reduce pressure on our health services. I encourage everyone to act now and book their appointments."

For more information, residents should contact their GP or visit https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/winter-vaccinations.