People aged 65 and over are among Kent and Medway’s vulnerable residents to be offered a COVID-19 booster and a flu vaccination this autumn, the Department of Health and Social Care has confirmed.
Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself
Medway Council's Director of Public Health, James Williams, said: “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and reduce your risk of becoming unwell. I would encourage anyone who is eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 booster, particularly those with a weakened immune system as they are at greater risk if they get infected.”
Increase your protection
Kent County Council Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: “We are now living with COVID-19, as well as flu, and eligible groups will benefit most from vaccination. I urge any resident who qualifies to take up the offers when they become available to increase your protection ahead of winter, when respiratory viruses are usually at their peak.”
Groups eligible for a COVID-19 booster this autumn include:
- people age 65 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- anyone 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- carers and close contacts of people with immunosuppression, and
- frontline health and social care workers.
Protect yourself and your loved ones
NHS Kent and Medway Medical Director, Dr Kate Langford, said: “I encourage everyone eligible for a free vaccination to get the jabs when the time comes – it’s the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. NHS England will confirm details on how and when eligible people can access the Autumn booster vaccine shortly.”
Find out more about the COVID-19 Autumn booster
Those eligible for a flu jab from Friday, 1 September 2023 include:
- people aged 65 and over
- anyone aged 6 months to under-65 years in clinical risk groups
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023
- primary school-aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- individuals in long-stay residential care homes
- carers and close contacts of people with immunosuppression, and
- frontline health and social care workers.
You also qualify for the flu vaccination if you are pregnant.