Eligible residents are now able to make sure they’re protected against illness this winter and book their vaccinations.
Vaccination and taking steps to stop the spread of winter illnesses are the best ways to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our wider community.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health said: “With the colder weather around the corner, it is really important that eligible residents get protected against flu.
“Flu spreads more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors, and it can cause serious illness and even result in hospitalisation.
“The flu vaccine provides the best possible protection against illness. If you’re vaccinated and you catch flu, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster. The vaccine is free and easy to access across the borough.
“Let’s all make sure we’re ready for winter and get protected.”
More information on flu vaccination is available via Healthy Knowsley – click here.
What is flu?
Flu is passed from person to person by droplets created when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs, or by touching a surface that is already contaminated with the flu virus.
Flu is very infectious and will easily spread, so – if you feel unwell – try to stay at home for the first 5 days, have plenty of rest, drink plenty of water, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen as required.
Who is eligible?
The national flu vaccination programme is now underway for everyone who is eligible. This includes:
- pregnant women
- children aged 2-3 years old
- school-aged children
- all children aged 6 months+ and in at-risk groups,
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- people experiencing homelessness
- frontline workers in a social care setting
How do I get my vaccination
If you are eligible but haven’t had your vaccination, you can book an appointment via the national booking system. Other methods of accessing vaccination include:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination
- your maternity service (if you’re pregnant)
- your care home (if you live in a care home)
- your employer (if you’re a health or social care worker)
Drop in vaccinations are also available on the Living Well Bus. Check the bus timetable here.
Knowsley Council has worked in partnership with Healthwatch Knowsley to provide a taxi service for residents who do not have access to transport to get to a drop-in vaccination site or to a pre-booked appointment. The offer covers all vaccinations, including childhood immunisation and RSV vaccinations.
If you are a Knowsley resident, and you don’t have access to transport, you can call 0151 449 3954 (lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm) and they will talk you through your options to get to your appointment or a drop in clinic close by to you.
This service is available for journeys to and from the closest vaccination site to you.
What other winter vaccinations are available?
There are number of vaccines available to protect against winter illnesses, these include:
- COVID-19
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- RSV vaccine
More information on these vaccines and eligibility is available online