The NHS in Lincolnshire is gearing its preparations for winter and, hot on the heels of the launch earlier this month of the flu vaccination available to women and children, comes the expansion of the flu programme to other eligible adults and the launch of the winter COVID-19 vaccination programme from next week.
Protect yourself, as well as friends and family
As most of us know by now, the COVID-19 vaccination helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious illness. Getting vaccinated is an important part of protecting yourself, particularly if you are at risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, as well as friends and family, and vaccinations will be available from Wednesday 1 October.
Who is eligible?
You can have the winter COVID-19 vaccination if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
Targeted support for those most vulnerable to viruses
“This winter the NHS will provide targeted support for those most vulnerable to viruses to keep them out of hospital and a key part of this will be asking eligible people to come forwards and get vaccinated,” explains Steve Clapton, Head of Immunisation & Screening, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
“Alongside RSV and flu jabs, the COVID-19 vaccination is a key part of getting vaccinated this winter. It could help protect you from becoming seriously ill or even ending up in hospital and, provided you are eligible, you can book an appointment now, online at Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online – NHS, or by using the NHS App for appointments from next Wednesday 1 October onwards.”
Flu vaccinations
As part of winterproofing its services, from 1 October, the NHS will also be offering flu vaccinations to all other eligible adults, including people who:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
“Flu vaccines are safe and effective and provide protection against what can be a very nasty illness – last winter alone, flu accounted for more than 300,000 hospital bed days across the country, so we are especially focused on protecting people before they get sick, to help them and also to help the NHS over the winter period,” adds Steve.
“If you are eligible for more than one winter vaccination you might find these are offered to you at the same appointment. This co-administration of vaccines is normal practice and doesn’t increase the likelihood of side effects.”
How to get your vaccination
If you are eligible you can get a flu vaccination from your GP surgery or a local pharmacy that offers them (if you’re aged 18 or over) – you can book an appointment at a pharmacy online at Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy – NHS.
More information
You can find out more information about the COVID-19 vaccination here COVID-19 vaccine – NHS and the flu vaccination here Flu vaccine – NHS. You can also visit Grab a Jab – vaccinations – Lincolnshire ICB.