This winter the flu vaccine is more important than ever.

More people are likely to get flu over the winter months than usual because fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the socially-distanced conditions of much of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Getting vaccinated against flu and having your COVID-19 booster this winter will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious viruses. If you are offered both vaccines, it’s safe to have them at the same time.

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:

• Are 50 and over (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
• Have certain health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Are in long-stay residential care
• Receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• Live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Frontline health or social care workers

You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:

• Your GP surgery
• A pharmacy offering the service
• Your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
• A hospital appointment
• If you do not have your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, you do not have to tell the surgery. This will be done for you

Find a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine on the NHS website.

Get your COVID-19 vaccine and grab a booster

If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill

Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses

It is easier than ever to get your vaccine, and you can walk into a number of local pharmacies or vaccine centres to get it done. Find out more on the council’s website.

Get your booster

You can book your COVID-19 booster vaccine dose online if you are a frontline health or social care worker, or you are aged 50 and over – or you are aged 16 or over and have a health condition that puts you at high risk from COVID-19.

You can wait to be contacted by the NHS before booking your booster dose, but if it has been 6 months since your second dose you can walk up to some locations to get your jab. Find out more at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccine

Dominion Centre re-opens

Vaccinating anyone over 16 years old for:

• First dose
• Second dose and
• Booster doses (6 months after your second dose)

The Dominion Centre, Southall, UB2 4BQ

Saturdays 8.30am – 5.00pm

Booked appointments until 4.00pm

Accepting walk-ins between 4.00pm and 5.00pm