Vulnerable people in the city, including those that have previously been shielding due to coronavirus, are being urged to take up the free flu jab offer this winter.
The NHS is offering all Covid-19 shielded patients the free flu jab this year to protect them from getting seriously ill, along with their household members to reduce the chance that flu is passed on in their home.
Those who are vulnerable to flu are also vulnerable to Covid-19, so the NHS is offering to protect people who were on the shielded patient list in the early stages of the pandemic with the NHS funded flu vaccine.
Anyone of any age who is a household member or a carer of a person who was shielded, is also eligible for the flu vaccination for free this year. Shielded patients’ ‘household members’ are offered the vaccine to reduce the chance of them passing flu on to someone who is vulnerable, as flu can easily spread even if someone is not showing symptoms. Anyone in these groups not already contacted by their GP is asked to call their practice or contact a local pharmacy to book an appointment
Allison Cannon, Chief Nurse Officer for Sussex NHS Commissioners said: “Flu can be really serious and can be easily spread to those who are more vulnerable, that’s why we are offering all Covid-19 shielded patients and their households the NHS funded flu jab for free.
“If you live with someone who is on the NHS Shielded Patient List, or if you expect to share accommodation with them on most days over the winter, making close contact unavoidable, then you should ask your pharmacist or GP for a free flu vaccination.”
Information on the free flu vaccine is available in Easyread formats and in a variety of languages.
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