Double your defences, get your jabs

This winter everyone aged 50 and over, together with those in some high risk groups are being invited to have a free Covid-19 Autumn booster and Flu vaccine to protect themselves and others.

And with the city already seeing a rise in the number of cases of Covid-19, Gerry Taylor, Sunderland City Council's Director of Public Health, is urging everyone who is offered the jabs to take them up.

Gerry said: "According to the latest figures, around one in 35 people in our city and the wider region currently has Covid. Flu is also known to be circulating in the community and this is expected to continue. It's easy to pass on COVID-19 or flu without realising and you can also pass them on to other people without having symptoms. 

"For everyone who is eligible, the Covid-19 booster and the flu jab are the best way to double your defences and protect yourself and your loved ones. We know that vaccines work to help prevent serious illness and I would urge everyone who is offered a jab to take it up at the earliest opportunity.  We also know Covid immunity wanes, so it's really important to get your booster if you're offered one to keep your immunity topped up.

"While it's perfectly safe to have both vaccines at the same time, this might not always be possible so my advice is to come forward for each jab as soon as you are invited."

You can find out if you are eligible for a Covid-19 booster and book an appointment through the NHS National Booking System or by calling 119. New slots are being added all the time so it's worth checking back if there aren't any available slots you when you first try to book. If you're eligible for the flu vaccine you can book an appointment at your GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers it.

Other things people can do to help stay safe this winter include:

• Following the national guidance if you test positive for Covid, which is to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, or longer if you continue to have a temperature. It's also sensible to avoid mixing with people who are at higher risk from Covid-19 for 10 days. 
• Although wearing a face covering is an individual choice, people may also choose to wear a face covering in certain situations such as crowded and enclosed places or on public transport as this can help prevent catching and passing on infections. 

To find out more about Covid and Flu vaccinations and who can get them, visit: www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations