The deadline for getting protected against flu and Covid-19 in time for Christmas Day is now, health experts are warning, reminding people that flu can be a ‘killer’. Greater Manchester health chiefs are starting a Christmas countdown to make sure residents have their Covid and flu jabs in time for December 25 - as the vaccinations take two weeks to give full protection after being administered.
The call to get vaccinated comes as the prevalence of all types of illness has shot up this winter. A return to social mixing following multiple lockdowns has brought an increase in seasonal colds as well as less common illnesses, such as scarlet fever.
Immune systems are not as used to dealing with the bugs, meaning people experience more severe bouts of the illnesses.
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Public health leaders in Greater Manchester are reminding those who are eligible for vaccines to come forward between now and mid-December, take up the offer and ‘help everyone to stay well this holiday’.
David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, said: "We don't want anyone to be ill with either - or both viruses - during the festive period when so many of us want to see our families and friends. Getting either virus can be serious, but the possibility of both together can have very serious consequences.
“People may also not know that the peak time for flu cases is often the week before Christmas. Plus, both vaccines need up to two weeks to give the most protection they can offer after being administered."
“This winter there has been a notable increase in the rise of all types of illnesses,” says Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director of Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care. “So, it’s even more important that we do what we can to prevent catching infections that we can avoid. Vaccines for Covid and flu can prevent those illnesses – and when they can’t prevent it entirely, they can reduce the effects of it.
“We all know what the pressures are like on our emergency care services, and working preventatively can help those hospital admissions. Most people are aware of how ill Covid can make you: they may have forgotten that flu can be a killer.”
From December 5, the flu vaccination programme will also be open to secondary school pupils in years 7, 8 and 9. For more information about where and how to get your vaccinations go to GetMyJabGM.co.uk or ring 119 for your nearest vaccination centre.
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