As of this week, the COVID booster vaccine rollout has begun. All frontline health and social care workers are to be offered a booster COVID-19 vaccine, alongside adults aged 50 and above and other vulnerable groups as part of the government’s autumn and winter plan.

What you need to know:

• The Pfizer jab is recommended regardless of which vaccine you previously had
• The booster should be given at least 6 months after the second dose
• The AstraZeneca may be considered for those who received it previously (if the other vaccines couldn’t be offered e.g. due to allergies)
• Both flu and covid vaccines can be co-administered where needed

Why is getting the booster vaccine important?

• Early data from Public Health England suggested that the protection provided by vaccines against COVID decreases gradually over time
• In order to maintain a high level of protection, the booster is highly recommended
• The main aim of the booster programme is to prolong that protection and reduce serious disease as we head towards the colder months

“This booster programme will help protect the most vulnerable through the winter months and strengthen our wall of defence even further” – Sajid Javid, Health Secretary

Let’s not forget, Flu jabs save lives too. If the last 18 months have taught us anything, it is the vital, life-saving importance of vaccinations! All frontline workers are also now eligible for the flu vaccine this year too.

Last winter, there were very low levels of flu circulating in the UK, and this was mainly because COVID-19 pandemic restrictions such as lockdowns and social distancing measures were in place meaning people were not mixing.

It is thought that this winter will be highly unpredictable, with concerns of the extent to which we may see flu and other viral infections re-emerge alongside COVID-19.

If we all make every effort to take up the flu vaccine offer and the COVID booster, we will protect ourselves, our colleagues and those in our care more effectively. It will help us all to weather whatever storms may come our way.

Boost your immunity this winter with your Flu vaccine and COVID booster.

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