Rotherham residents are being encouraged to make sure they are protected from winter illnesses this year by getting both their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations.
As the festive period approaches and the weather turns colder, it is important that everyone does their bit to stop winter illnesses from spreading to the more vulnerable members of the community.
While the majority of people in Rotherham have already had the COVID-19 vaccination. However, there are around 32,000 people, including 2,700 people over the age of 60, in Rotherham who have not had any doses of the vaccine.
People who have not had their COVID-19 vaccination are still able to book an appointment through the NHS Rotherham Clinical Commissioning Group’s booking system by calling 0300 3035258 or by going to one of the Drop-In sessions.
Rotherham’s Director of Public Health, Ben Anderson, said: “Over the past few months, we have seen the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine within the borough. While our infection rate is still above the national average, we are not seeing the number of cases translating into an increase of hospitalisations like we saw last year. Nationally, we are seeing a similar picture which shows the effectiveness of the vaccine programme. The vaccine is now being rolled out to children aged 12-15 years old and we will soon see the benefits of this as more and more children are vaccinated.
“It is incredibly important that everyone gets the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they can, and also gets their second dose and booster when they are invited to do so. Getting the vaccine will help to protect you, your families and your friends from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.”
Residents are also being encouraged to get their flu jab if they are eligible. While the number of cases of flu was low last year due to the lockdown measures, experts are expecting a difficult flu season this year.
It is estimated that flu causes around 11,000 deaths per year. While many people who catch seasonal flu recover, there can be complications such as pneumonia which can lead to death.
People who are over 50 years old, pregnant woman, and those with certain conditions are all eligible for a free flu jab through the NHS programme.
The flu jab is available at a range of places including:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service
- your midwifery service if you're pregnant
Getting the flu vaccination when it is offered to you will help protect you from becoming seriously ill with the flu. If you haven’t been offered the vaccine by your GP but are eligible, you can book your vaccination online through your local pharmacy.
Children aged between 12-17 are also eligible for the vaccination which will be provided through the school immunisation programme.
Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health, Cllr David Roche, said: “I cannot stress the importance of getting the flu vaccination if you are eligible for the free NHS jab. It has never been easier to get your jab as it is now available at all GP surgeries and at many pharmacies across the borough. Once you have an appointment, it is quickly over and done with and you are protected from getting seriously ill.
“If you know anyone who is eligible for their flu vaccination, please encourage them to get it as soon as they can.”
If you’ve had the COVID-19 vaccination, the booster vaccination for COVID-19, or if you’ve had COVID-19, it is safe to have the flu vaccination. You will still need to get your flu jab as the COVID-19 vaccination does not protect you against flu. Make sure you have both vaccinations to be fully protected this winter.
Further information about the flu vaccination on the NHS website
Further information about the COVID-19 vaccination on Rotherham CCG’s website