News and media releases from the Surrey Heartlands area
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Carers urged to take advantage of free flu vaccination
Getting your flu vaccine is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself and others around you safe this winter.
The virus can be life threatening and also has the potential to increase the pressures faced by the NHS this winter.
Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board and Surrey County Council are therefore encouraging all unpaid carers in Surrey to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination as a priority, not only to protect themselves and the people they care for, but to help reduce hospitalisations during a time that will be especially busy for the NHS and social care.
The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
Carers who look after a friend or family member can ask for a flu vaccine at their GP practice, or at a pharmacy offering the NHS flu vaccine, by telling them they're eligible.
If asked for proof, just take along one of the documents on this list Identifying yourself as a carer.
They can also book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119, with appointments starting from 1st October.
Young carers are encouraged to contact their GP for advice on flu vaccination.
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It's offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
The government recognises unpaid carers as a vulnerable group in need of protection and so includes them in the national programme for flu vaccination.
Jack Wagstaff, Executive Carers Lead for Surrey Heartlands ICB said:
I encourage all our Surrey Carers to protect themselves and those they care for.
It’s really important that Carers look after themselves and take advantage of the free flu vaccine available to them, while they continue to provide the dedicated and vital support to their loved ones.
Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care added:
Carers across Surrey perform a vital role in looking after their loved ones.
With flu season approaching, we’d urge anyone who cares for others to take up the offer of a flu jab - to protect themselves and those they support from the worst effects of the virus.