Dartford Gravesham and Swanley Health and Care Partnership (DGS HCP) is pleased to be working with the Wellcome Practice, HCRG (community health services), pharmacies and community groups to run some pop-up clinics to make it easier for eligible residents in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley to get their winter vaccines.
Clinics will be available at selected local pharmacies, GP practices and familiar community centres across the area. Full details will be announced soon but in the meantime, local GP, Dr. Julie Taylor, explains why getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to stay protected this winter:
Get vaccinated now
Vaccinations are one of the most effective tools in modern medicine to protect you and others from serious illnesses. They are safe. They go through the same rigorous testing processes as any medicines. In the winter, when respiratory viruses are more common, we run flu and COVID campaigns to try and protect people across the winter months.
Why get vaccinated against flu?
Flu is a common viral infection that is spread by coughs and sneezes. You can catch flu all year around, although it is much more common in the winter. Like many viruses, flu will often get better on its own within about a week. But it can make some people seriously ill.
Flu is not the same as the common cold. Symptoms come on very quickly, tend to be more severe and last longer. They include:
- a high temperature of 38oC (100.4oF) or above
- general aches and pains
- tiredness or weakness – enough that you have to stay in bed and rest
- a dry cough, sore throat or headache
Certain people are at high risk of complications of flu, either because of their immune system or because it can worsen underlying conditions. Elderly are more vulnerable as their immune system is not as good at recognising and responding to infection. In people with lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, getting flu can make their condition worse. If you have diabetes, your immune system isn’t as effective against flu and it can affect blood sugar levels causing hyperglycaemia. Flu in pregnancy can cause early labour and may occasionally result in a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Why should I bother?
It is important to get your flu jab. In the local area, we had the lowest rate of flu vaccination across Kent and Medway and also the highest rate of hospitalisation with flu in the over 65s. People are only admitted to hospital with flu when they are very unwell and, sadly, some people will die. Around 7,800 people died from flu across England last winter.
Who is eligible?
The following groups are eligible for a free flu vaccine on the NHS:
- are aged 65 or over
- 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
- are a front line health or care worker
- children aged 2 or 3 years
- school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
If you aren’t in one of these groups, many community pharmacists will give you the vaccination for a small fee.
Where can I get my vaccine?
The flu vaccination is safe and effective and is offered on the NHS every year to help people at risk of complications from flu. You can get this through your GP surgery or community pharmacy. Some GP surgeries or pharmacists may offer you a COVID booster at the same time. It is perfectly safe to have both together. Other vaccinations that may be offered to eligible people to protect against respiratory viruses include pneumococcal and RSV vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women will start from 1 September. For other adults, they will be available from 1 October. COVID vaccinations will be available at the same time to eligible groups.
More information about vaccinations in Kent and Medway can be found online at: www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk