Keeping well this winter
Cold weather can be hard on our health, so it’s really important we take steps to look after ourselves and each other during the winter months. There are lots of things you can do to keep well, and the NHS is here to help you.
Winter vaccinations
During the colder months flu and Covid-19 spread more easily as we spend more time indoors. These viruses can have a serious impact on people’s health, especially those who are more vulnerable. If you’re eligible, getting your vaccine will help protect you and those around you. Following the recent announcement from UK health security agency we will be contacting and encouraging those eligible for vaccinations to come forward and have them. This will start in September for those most at risk including adult care home residents. If you are contacted by the NHS to have your Covid-19 and flu vaccination, please come forward to have them. They will offer you the best protection this winter.
Who’s eligible for the Flu?
Flu vaccine:
- Those aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
- Pregnant people
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- Primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- 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
- Frontline health and social care workers
Covid-19 autumn booster:
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the Covid-19 chapter of the UKHSA Green Book on Immunisation, including pregnant people
- Frontline health and social care workers
- People aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression, as defined in the UKHSA Green Book
- People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers, as defined in the UKHSA Green Book, and staff working in care homes for older adults
- If you’re eligible but haven’t had a Covid-19 vaccine yet, you can come forward for your first vaccine.
Know where to go when you need medical help
There are lots of NHS services that can help you. Knowing where to go and when can help you get the right care when you need it. The NHS services available include:
- Your local pharmacy can help with minor health concerns, complex medication use and provide a private clinical assessment
- Your GP can help with your non-urgent health concerns including pain that won’t go away, skin disorders, high blood pressure and more. To make sure you can get the most out of your appointment, check these tips on the NHS website.
- NHS 111 have fully trained health professionals on-hand all day, every day, to direct you to the service you need, whether that’s your GP or A&E
- A&E is for people experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency. You should call 999 or attend your nearest A&E
- Mental Health services are available to provide ongoing support with your mental health or to help you in crisis. For more information, visit: nhs.uk/mental-health