Cambridgeshire health chief sends vaccine plea as Covid infections due to jump
Anyone still eligible are being urged to get vaccinated ahead of Christmas
With the cold weather taking hold, we're being told to expect a rise in Covid infections this winter.
More than 104,000 of us in Cambridgeshire have had a Covid jab this autumn according to government data, with thousands also having the flu vaccine.
Nationally, 11,404,669 Covid and 16,190,661 flu vaccinations have been administered by the NHS in England since the start of the autumn campaign.
But the NHS is urging anyone eligible to have their Covid and flu jab to do in order to protect themselves at Christmas, when viruses spread more easily as people spend more time indoors.
The final day to book a vaccine appointment is December 14, with booking systems closing the day after.
Dr Fiona Head is the medical director at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough's Integrated Care Board:
"Every time we have periods when it's colder and more people are inside, we always see an increase in respiratory infections," she said.
"We expect to see that, which is why that vaccination message is really important."
Up to November 15 this year, NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough's Integrated Care Board (ICB) reported that more than 178,000 Covid vaccines and 235,000 flu vaccines to those most at risk.
And nationally this season, a record 4.5 million people have received their flu and Covid vaccines in the same appointment.
How to stay safe this winter
NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough's ICB have given five ways people can stay well this winter:
- Book your vaccinations: if you’re invited for a vaccination or are part of a group eligible for a vaccination, make sure you get it booked.
- Stock up your medicine cabinet: be prepared for common medical problems which can happen in winter by keeping some basic medicines at home, including paracetamol, indigestion remedies, and plasters that you can buy at your local pharmacy or supermarket.
- Keep up-to-date with your prescriptions: keep an eye on your supply of repeat prescription medications, and when you’re running low make sure to put your prescription in good time.
- Use 111 online: if you think you need urgent medical help, 111 online can tell you what to do next. You can access it 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting 111.nhs.uk.
- Download the NHS app: a free app to have on your mobile phone, which can help you to order your repeat prescriptions, book appointments and view your health record.
"It's important to make sure people stay warm, wearing appropriate clothing and keep eating and drinking, and if you know people who are more likely to be vulnerable, check up on them," said Dr Head.
"You tend to get less cold if you're moving around the house, which is good for you.
"When it gets colder and darker, those who are frail and vulnerable tend to go out less so making sure you keep in contact with those you know and love over the winter is really important."