Hounslow residents encouraged to sign up for their free flu and Covid-19 vaccinations and join Hounslow’s Best Defenders

Hounslow Council is today launching its winter vaccine campaign, called Hounslow’s Best Defenders. The campaign celebrates people in Hounslow who take the vaccines and keep all of us safe from serious illness over the winter.  

How to book your vaccinations 

Anyone can check their eligibility for the vaccines and book their appointments for Covid-19 and flu vaccinations on the respective NHS national booking sites. They can also book an appointment through their GP, by dropping into participating local pharmacies or walk-in centres, or via Hounslow’s Health Outreach Team, who will be out in communities administering vaccines over the next few months.  

Hounslow’s Best Defenders 

The Council has been talking to people across Hounslow to find out why they’re getting vaccinated. It’s discovered that many people are doing so because they want to keep others safe, as well as themselves. When residents have the vaccines, they can join these people as part of Hounslow’s Best Defenders, keeping all residents  safe from potentially fatal illnesses.  

Eva King, who is 84 and has been married to Herbert for 52 years, said: “I take the Covid-19 and flu vaccines to protect others, not just myself. I think everybody should take the vaccines, it’s for the protection of all of us, the whole community.” 

Herbert was forced to flee his native Austria in 1938 and says he was “lucky that my mother was active in getting us out through the Kindertransport arrangements.” 

He and his wife Eva have been protective of their health throughout their lives. He has taken the Covid-19 vaccine eight times, and the flu jab many more. Eva credits him being in good health past his hundredth birthday to taking regular vaccinations.  

“We get vaccinated to protect each other and to keep him alive,” she said. “We both had Covid-19 this summer, around the time of his hundredth birthday. The fact that they were both relatively mild cases and we were able to celebrate his birthday with our family is down to the fact we both had a Covid-19 booster just a month earlier. 

“I would also encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. I do get fearful that we will come into contact with unvaccinated people and that could put our health at serious risk.” 

Councillor Lily Bath, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Transformation, said:

“Getting vaccinated against serious illnesses like flu and Covid-19 is one of the best things you can do for your loved ones and your community.  

“Hounslow’s Best Defenders celebrates people in the borough who do their bit to keep all of us safe. I’m meeting our brilliant Health Outreach Team next month to get vaccinated and I’m so grateful for the tireless work they do to bring vaccines to the heart of our communities.   

“I hope all eligible residents will come forward for their free vaccines and join Hounslow’s Best Defenders.”