The NHS is pleading with the public to get their winter flu jabs as soon as possible. Health chiefs are urging those entitled to the NHS vaccine to book an appointment or visit a pharmacy.
It comes as figures show there were 5,500 patients in hospital with flu last week and more than 9,000 patients with Covid-19. Some of those who have been hospitalised with flu and pneumonia have been under NHS care for more than two weeks.
The vaccine is free on the NHS to people who meet certain criteria and it is available via appointments made with your GP surgery. It is also possible to get the vaccines, your flu jab and any Covid-19 boosters, at your nearest pharmacy with some offering walk-up slots, meaning no appointment is necessary.
Health and Social Care Secretary Steve Barclay said: “There has been a dramatic increase in hospital admissions for flu and we are seeing the highest levels of hospital admissions we’ve seen in at least a decade. There are currently over 5,000 hospital beds a day taken up by flu patients, compared to just 50 this time last year.
“If you are eligible, the best thing you can do to protect yourself and ease pressure on the NHS is to join the 19.9 million people that have had their vaccine”.
Who can get the NHS flu jab?
The NHS flu jab is available to anyone who is 50 years of age or older up until March 31 2023. It is also available to pregnant women, frontline adult social care workers who cannot get a vaccination from their workplace and people with certain medical conditions as advised by your GP.
Can I get the flu jab if I don’t meet the NHS criteria?
Flu vaccinations are available to everyone, even if you don’t meet the criteria. The best place to get a vaccination is at your nearest participating pharmacy, but do consider that if you do not meet the criteria, there will be a fee to pay.
Boots Pharmacies charge £9.95 for the jab for those aged 16 and above. While Lloyds Pharmacies charge £12.
In response to the flu spike, as well as the rising cost of living, Well Pharmacies will be offering the flu jab for free to anyone over the age of 18, meaning everyone can take up the chance to be vaccinated. This offer extends where stocks last until the end of flu season in late March.
Where offers the flu jab in Newcastle?
Below is a map of the pharmacies where you can get the flu jab on the NHS. Not all of these pharmacies will offer the private jab.
Many branches offer walk-up slots, meaning there is no appointment necessary, while others require you to book online in advance. Check the website for your nearest branch before setting out.
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