Torbay’s MP, Kevin Foster, has welcomed a nationwide advertising push encouraging people to get their COVID-19 booster and flu jabs to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.
The colder weather in the winter months favours transmission and experts have warned there could a significant flu surge and continuing or rising Covid cases. Hence the Government is pushing the biggest winter vaccine campaign ever for Covid and flu, including here in Torbay, so people can help protect not just themselves and their loved ones this winter and play their part in reducing pressure on the NHS.
The multimedia campaign will run on outdoor billboards, broadcast and community radio and TV to support the national vaccine drive.
77,323 people have already received a first dose in Torquay and Paignton and 71,998 have now received a second dose.
Vaccines provide the best possible protection against infection and serious disease and so it is vital people come forward for both Covid jabs and flu vaccines. The Covid booster programme was launched to prolong protection into winter, and for those aged 12 – 15 it is important to come forward for a single dose to reduce transmission in schools and keep pupils in the classroom.
This year will also see the country’s biggest flu programme in history with 35 million people eligible for a free vaccine.
People will be invited for the COVID-19 booster jab when it’s their turn - if they have not been contacted within a week of reaching 6 months since their second jab they can call 119 or book online. Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine can book an appointment through their GP surgery or local pharmacy.
From Monday 25th October, all vaccination bookings for the English Riviera Centre (ERC) will be made via the National Booking System (NBS). This means anybody can phone up 119 or go to the relevant section of the NHS website to book their 1st, 2nd, or booster covid-19 vaccination. The vaccination service will operate from 8.30-5pm Monday to Friday, but clinics at the ERC will only be visible a week ahead
Commenting, Kevin said:
“The rapid march of the “Jabs Army” in our bay has made a big difference in ensuring we could re-open our bay whilst keeping Covid-19 in check. Now as the winter approaches it is vital those eligible take two more vital steps, getting their booster and flu jabs. It is easy to either book a session or drop into some of the sessions being made available.”
In relation to those yet to take up the offer of vaccination Kevin added:
“If you are yet to have your first or second jab there are still plenty of chances to do so available, just pop online or into one of the drop-in sessions being organised in our bay”.
ENDS
