Staying well through winter: Get winter strong

Being vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 means protecting yourself so you can be there for your family, friends, and those you care for. The NHS is inviting more vulnerable groups to have free flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters, so look out for your invite. From autumn 2024, the NHS is also offering a single vaccination to safeguard infants and elderly individuals against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Get vaccinated, get winter strong

Some adults and children will be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, a seasonal COVID-19, or both. The NHS is offering these to those who are most vulnerable.  To see if you are eligible check who can get a free flu vaccine and see our COVID-19 advice pages for information around who can get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is safe to have both jabs at the same time. It’s the most effective way to boost our natural immunity and protect ourselves from these viruses.

Get winter strong images

New vaccine to protect infants and older people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Starting from 1 September, a new vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV will be introduced by the NHS in England. This will be offered to pregnant women over 28 weeks to protect newborns, and to people aged 75 and older.

Despite often causing mild symptoms, RSV poses significant risks, especially severe lung infections in infants and the elderly, leading to thousands of hospitalisations annually in the UK. This initiative aims not only to save lives but also to alleviate pressure on the NHS, potentially preventing hundreds of deaths and freeing up hospital resources during winter.

Find out more

To get winter strong this winter don’t delay, get your free vaccines as soon as you are eligible. Find information about winter vaccinations at www.selondonics.org/winter-vaccinations

Where to get your seasonal vaccinations

The NHS will contact you to invite you for your vaccinations. If you are eligible for a seasonal COVID vaccination, you can get your vaccination from clinics by using the online national booking service or by using the NHS App.

If you can’t get online, call 119 for free to book an appointment or head to your nearest walk in clinic Find a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

To get your annual flu vaccine in Lambeth find a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccine.   The NHS will invite you for the RSV vaccine if you’re eligible.

Vaccines are safe and highly effective

All vaccines must go through the same regulatory approval process as any medicines to ensure they meet strict safety standards and offer high levels of protection.

Let’s keep life moving

COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, and flu presents an additional risk this winter. As well as getting vaccinated, we can reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and flu by staying at home if we have symptoms.

Find government advice on living with coronavirus