Richmond Council is urging more people to come forward and take both the flu jab and COVID-19 booster vaccine ahead of the winter months.
According to Richmond Council, nearly 25,000 people in Richmond Upon Thames have already had their booster jab and more than 26,000 people have had their flu vaccine.
Last year, more than 60,000 people in Richmond had their flu vaccination and Richmond Council are wanting even more people to have one this year.
Councillor Piers Allen, Lead member for Adult Social Care and Health and Chair of the Richmond Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “I urge everyone to top up their immunity this winter by getting both the COVID-19 booster vaccine and the flu vaccine.
“By getting the flu vaccine and your booster COVID-19 vaccine, you will be doing your part in protecting yourself and your loved ones from a nasty illness, as well as protecting the NHS from being overloaded with flu and COVID-19 patients this winter.
“Let’s all play our part and get vaccinated this winter.”
The flu vaccine has been made available to protect people from the virus’ symptoms which include fever, coughing, pains and more high-risk complications.
Similarly, the COVID-19 booster vaccine offers extended protection from the first two doses.
Allen said: “Flu kills around 11,000 people each year in England and hospitalises thousands more.”
The flu vaccine is available to get at GP surgeries or pharmacies and is free on the NHS to a range of people including people who are 50 and over, are pregnant or have certain health conditions.
Likewise, the COVID-19 booster vaccine is available to everyone who is 50 and over, frontline health and social care workers and other people which can be found here.
