This year’s drive to protect the most vulnerable people against the winter flu virus has begun for those in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset.

The launch of the winter vaccination campaign on 1 October coincided with International Day of Older People, a national awareness day celebrating the people, places and services that help people stay active and connected in the community.

All people aged 65 and over are among those who can now receive a flu vaccination for free on the NHS.

Dr Barry Coakley, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset Integrated Care Boards Cluster said: “International Day of Older People is a good reminder that we should take steps to protect our health as we age.

“With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to ensure that those most at risk are protected. Flu is not just a bad cold. It can be very serious and lead to severe illness.

“Every winter, we see patients admitted to hospital with complications from flu, and in the most serious cases, they may require lifesaving care in the intensive care unit.

“The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way for people to reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell. We know the vaccination has a proven ability to keep vulnerable people safe by reducing the severity of illness and the need for hospitalisation. It also supports people to remain mobile, independent and, ultimately, out of hospital and in the comfort of their own home.”

As respiratory viruses tend to become more prevalent during the colder months, when more of us spend more time indoors, it’s really important that those eligible get protected to safeguard the health of vulnerable individuals and reduce pressure on healthcare services during the busiest months of the year.

Cllr David Brown, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Cllr David Brown, BCP Council Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “Throughout October we are celebrating International Day of Older People through our ElderFest programme, which is taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“The events bring together local organisations, activities and support services that help people stay active, connected and informed. We are delighted that the NHS Vaccination Team from Dorset HealthCare will be attending each event, making it even easier for eligible residents to get protected this winter while finding out about the support available in their community.

“I would encourage anyone interested in learning about local services, activities or wellbeing support to come along and find out what is available on their doorstep.”

ElderFest events offer a range of opportunities for older people to get tech support, vaccinations, advice on financial and energy support and much more.

Along with people aged 65 and over, others who are also being encouraged to get protected include under 65s who have been identified as clinically at-risk, care home residents, people who share a home with someone who has a weakened immune system, frontline health and care workers, pregnant women and children.

Dr Coakley continues, “A simple way we can care for older people and the wider community is to have the flu vaccination when it is offered.

“Having the vaccine not only gives a person’s immunity a much-needed boost but also makes them less infectious to others. Children are often good at sharing viruses, so when they take up the vaccine, it not only helps protect them, it also, importantly, helps to stop them from spreading flu to others at greater risk, such as their grandparents.”

Flu vaccinations are also available through local GP practices and community pharmacies.

Anyone eligible for vaccinations can book online at www.nhs.uk, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119.

COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available to people aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

In addition, the NHS’s year-round RSV vaccination programme has expanded to include people aged 75 and over, those aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system, or certain long-term lung conditions and women 28 weeks pregnant or more.

RSV is a viral infection which can make babies and adults with long term lung conditions very unwell and at risk of hospitalisation.