Protect Yourself and Others This Winter: Last Chance to Book Vaccinations Online

With winter illnesses on the rise across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly is urging eligible residents to book their seasonal vaccinations to protect themselves and others ahead of Christmas.

Booking Deadlines and Availability

Eligible individuals have until Friday, 20th December to book winter vaccinations online or through NHS 119. After this date, appointments can still be accessed at COVID-19 walk-in sites or participating pharmacies, although options may be more limited, and you may need to travel further.

The flu vaccination programme will continue until 31st March, but most GP surgeries and community pharmacies are expected to finish offering the jab much earlier. Residents are encouraged to check directly with their GP to confirm availability.

Protecting the Vulnerable

Dr Chris Reid, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board, highlighted the importance of vaccinations in staying well this winter.

“The first important step to keeping well this winter is ensuring you take up the vaccinations that you are eligible for. They’re offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at increased risk of complications from the flu and COVID viruses,” said Chris.

“To boost your immunity, we advise having the vaccines as soon as you can to maximise their protection over the winter months.”

Who Can Get Vaccinated?

Vaccines are available free on the NHS for those who:

• Are aged 65 and over
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in long-stay residential care
• Live with someone at higher risk of severe infection due to immunosuppression

How to Book Your Vaccine

If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, here’s how you can book:

• Use the NHS App or book a pharmacy appointment online if you are aged 18 or over.
• Find a pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccinations.
• Contact your GP surgery directly.
• Call NHS 119.

Flu and COVID-19: A Growing Concern

The need for vaccinations is underscored by a recent 70% spike in hospital flu cases reported by NHS England. Other illnesses, including norovirus and COVID-19, are also rising in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The vaccines aim to reduce severe illness and hospital admissions, particularly among vulnerable groups.

Tips to Stay Well This Winter

Chris added, “When you’re feeling under the weather, remember to rest, stay warm and keep hydrated. Paracetamol and ibuprofen can help make you more comfortable.

“If you’ve got symptoms of an infectious illness, please keep away from people who are vulnerable, especially hospitals and care homes.”

To minimise the spread of illness, follow these tips:

• Wash your hands often throughout the day.  If you have small children, make sure they wash their hands especially important before eating, after using the loo, and after being in public places. You can also use hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to soap and water, but it won’t be effective against all illnesses such as Norovirus.
• Please don’t go to a health setting such as the emergency department and our minor injury units if you suspect you have norovirus, COVID-19 or flu. Please use our NHS 111 online service first for advice.
• You can treat most winter illnesses at home, so take it easy and look after yourself. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated, lack of sleep and dehydration can slow your recovery.
• Pharmacists can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies, if you need it.
• GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu as they don’t work on viral infections, and they won’t relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery.
• There are places that can help during the week, evenings and weekends. There are 10 minor injury units in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. In Cornwall, it is useful to check waiting times before you leave as your nearest may not be able to treat you the quickest.
• Always call 999 if it’s a life-threatening illness or injury.

When to Seek Help

For non-urgent issues, Cornwall offers 10 minor injury units, where waiting times can be checked online before visiting. Always call 999 in life-threatening emergencies.

To find the right healthcare service this winter, visit the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly’s “Where is best for you this winter?” page or follow their Facebook page for updates.

Stay well and protect yourself and your community by taking action now.