Hounslow residents are getting Winter Ready by protecting themselves against viruses such as flu. More than 32, 000 people have already received their boosters.
Published: Wednesday, 25th October 2023
More than 32,000 Hounslow residents have had their winter flu vaccination since this year's flu campaign started on 1 September.
The figures released by Hounslow Council’s Public Health Team mean that eligible people in our borough are heeding the call to action to protect themselves, their families and the wider community by getting their flu vaccination.
The rollout of the vaccination programme began earlier this month with residents in older people’s care homes and those who are housebound being the first to receive their booster.
Since the beginning of September, residents in eligible groups have been encouraged to use the national NHS booking system to come forward and book their vaccination.
Eligible groups are also being offered the vaccination through their GP and other local health services.
In many cases, those eligible for the flu vaccination will also get the Covid winter booster at the same time.
Hounslow residents have come forward in their droves to get the vaccine - with more than 3,000 using local pharmacies to receive their Covid booster.
Hounslow’s Director of Public Health, Kelly O’Neill, said: “It is great news that so many people in our community have taken proactive steps to safeguard their health by receiving the flu vaccine in just one week.
“This remarkable turnout demonstrates the strength of our collective commitment to public health and highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting our community against preventable illnesses such as flu and Covid.
“Getting your vaccination is your best protection against becoming seriously ill with flu or Covid. It will help to slow the spread of these viruses over the winter period.
“We would like to thank everyone who has come forward for their vaccinations so far and urge others to follow this lead and get vaccinated.”
Those eligible for the flu vaccination include:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Anyone under 65 with certain health conditions.
- Pregnant women
- Children aged two to three years on 31 August 2023
- All primary school children and secondary school-aged children in years 7 to 11
- People care homes
- Certain carers
- Frontline health and social care workers
Those eligible for a Covid booster are:
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- People aged six months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- People aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
- People aged 16 to 64 years who are carers
- Staff working in care homes for older adults
School-age children will be given their vaccinations through their schools.
There are a number of ways you get your vaccination, which include through your doctor, local pharmacy or health centre.
Hounslow Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, Councillor Samia Chaudhary, said: “This a fantastic start to our winter vaccination programme. It is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those healthcare professionals who are working extremely hard to ensure everyone who is entitled to a vaccination gets one.
“Getting a flu or Covid vaccination is completely safe, quick and easy. In many cases, there will be a vaccination clinic close to where you live.
“If you have any concerns, just speak to your GP or healthcare professional for reassurance. Please keep up the good work and let’s protect Hounslow this winter.”
- You can find out more about flu and Covid vaccinations in Hounslow at: hounslow.gov.uk/get-winter-ready
