Are you eligible for a free flu vaccine this winter?

Hywel Dda University Health Board is urging all eligible people in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire to have their free NHS flu vaccine as we head into the winter season.

Flu spreads easily and can be very serious. This autumn and winter we may see COVID-19 and flu both circulating at the same time, which is why it’s very important to get protected. Having a flu vaccine each year is one of the best ways to protect yourselves and those you care for from catching or spreading it.

GPs, pharmacists and NHS staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire have worked hard to prepare for this year’s flu vaccination programme; to make sure it is safe when you receive your flu vaccine and that it is available to those most at risk of complications from flu as early as possible.

Flu is more likely to be serious if you have a long term health condition, are pregnant, or are older. The people at high risk of COVID-19 are generally the same people at increased risk of becoming very ill with flu.

You can have a free NHS flu vaccine from your GP practice or community pharmacy if you are:

• a child aged two and three years old (age on 31 August 2021)
• children and young people in school years Reception to Year 11
• aged 50 or over
• ·over 6 months and have a long term health condition that puts you at increased risk from flu
• pregnant
• a care home resident
• a carer
• working directly with patients/clients in health or social care
• living with someone who has a compromised immune system

More information on eligibility, and other frequently asked questions are available on – https://phw.nhs.wales/fluvaccine .

If you are eligible for the flu vaccine, you will be invited by your GP surgery, so it is important that your details at your surgery are up to date.

Children and young people in school years reception to year 11 will be offered the simple nasal flu vaccine by the Hywel Dda school nursing team, after receiving consent forms from their parents or guardians.

Ros Jervis, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “This year, it is more important than ever to get your flu vaccine if you’re eligible because we may see both COVID-19 and flu circulating.”

“Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the flu clinics are safe, and I would encourage you to go for your flu vaccine appointment when invited to make sure you and your loved ones are protected this winter.”

If you’re not in the eligible groups for the flu vaccines, you can still protect yourself this winter by getting the flu vaccine at your nearest pharmacist at a small fee. You can find your local pharmacist here – https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/services-and-teams/pharmacy/seasonal-flu-vaccinations/

By keeping yourselves protected, you will help keep your loved ones, and Wales safe.