The NHS in Lincolnshire is making a fresh appeal to people aged 65 and over who have not yet had their flu vaccination to come forward, as well as encouraging parents to make sure eligible children and young people are protected.

Flu can be much more serious than a heavy cold and can lead to complications and hospital treatment, particularly for older people and those who are more vulnerable. Everyone aged 65 and over is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination this year.

Children aged two and three are also eligible, alongside school-aged children from Reception to Year 11.

Parents of two and three-year-olds are being particularly encouraged to take up the offer. For most eligible children aged two and over, the flu vaccine is given as a quick and painless nasal spray rather than an injection.

Steve Clapton, Assistant Director of Health Protection and Prevention, NHS Lincolnshire ICB said:

“Flu can make anyone feel very unwell, but for older people and those with underlying health conditions it can be particularly serious and can lead to complications and hospital treatment.

“We know many people aged 65 and over will have had their vaccination, but if you haven’t, it’s certainly not too late. Please don’t put it off or assume that because you were vaccinated last winter you’re still protected. The flu vaccine is updated and offered every year, which is why it’s important to take up the offer again this winter.

“We’re also asking parents to make sure their children are protected. For most children it’s a quick and painless nasal spray rather than an injection, and getting children vaccinated helps protect them and reduces the chances of flu spreading to grandparents, family members and others who may be more vulnerable.”

With flu typically circulating more widely during the winter months, people are being encouraged to get protected as soon as possible rather than waiting until they become ill or flu begins spreading among family and friends.

Higher vaccination uptake among children early in the season can help reduce transmission of flu to other groups in the population, making childhood vaccination an important part of protecting families and communities over winter.

Children aged two or three can receive their vaccination through their GP practice, with some community pharmacies also offering vaccinations to children. School-aged children are normally offered the vaccine at school through the school-aged immunisation service (SAIS).

People aged 65 and over can book through the NHS App, online through the NHS flu vaccination booking service, by calling 119, or through their GP practice or a participating pharmacy.

The flu vaccine is updated each year, so people who were vaccinated last winter need to be vaccinated again to ensure they have the best available protection this season.

For more information about flu vaccination eligibility and how to get vaccinated, visit NHS Lincolnshire ICB’s Grab a Jab website Flu – Lincolnshire ICB or speak to your GP practice, midwife or local pharmacy.