FLU and COVID-19 can be dangerous, especially for certain people, such as those with long term health conditions. Over 467,000 people in Wales are classed as clinically at risk. In Wales last year, nearly 2,000 people were admitted to hospital with flu.
To maximise your protection, it’s important you are vaccinated a few weeks before the flu season starts, which on average, begins around mid-December in Wales.
Dr Christopher Johnson, Consultant Epidemiologist and Head of Public Health Wales’ Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme explains, “The strains of Flu viruses which circulate can change over time, and immunity against COVID-19 can reduce between years. That’s why it is important to top up your protection by getting the latest vaccines that are offered to you.
“No-one wants to be ill or in hospital with flu or COVID-19, especially over Christmas and New Year, so it really is worth getting your vaccines soon. Vaccinations help to extend your protection against serious illness. Any side effects from the vaccinations are normally mild and don’t last long.”
It’s also not too late to protect your children (two years old to school aged up to and including year 11) from serious illness by getting them their free, painless nasal spray flu vaccine.
Search ‘Public Health Wales Vaccines’ to check eligibility and how to get your vaccines.