Our Get Winter Strong campaign encourages those eligible to join thousands of others to take up the winter vaccine offer.
As part of the drive, there will be a series of radio adverts fronted by tv and radio presenter, Angellica Bell, and featuring clinicians from Greater Manchester. Further content will be seen across social media, town centre and roadside sites, in newspapers and blazoned across the tram and bus network.
Winter vaccines
From 3 October, appointments were available for all those eligible for their winter vaccinations. These include vaccinations for flu, COVID-19 as well as Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV – a new vaccine being offered for the first time this year. So far, 150,000 eligible people across Greater Manchester have taken up their winter vaccine offer.
During the colder months, we see viruses spreading more easily as people gather indoors. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV – respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of coughs and colds. They can all make some people seriously ill, and potentially lead to hospital care. The most effective way to protect yourself and those around you is by ensuring you are fully vaccinated.
Vaccines are free to those eligible, tested, and safe. They help you to build up an immunity to the virus, so your body will fight it off more easily if it affects you. While the vaccine may not stop you from getting the virus, your symptoms are likely to be milder and you are less likely to get seriously ill if you have been vaccinated. Being vaccinated also helps stop you passing on the virus to others, so those who are vulnerable around you are protected too.
Research shows that viruses change over time and protection can fade. So even if you had the flu or COVID-19 vaccination before, it is important to boost your immunity and come forward again this year.
For the first time, pregnant women and people aged 75 to 79 years old, are being offered the RSV vaccine. RSV is an incredibly common but potentially very serious respiratory infection and can be particularly dangerous for young babies and older people. Unlike flu and COVID-19, the RSV vaccine is available all year round, not just seasonally. Older people need just one dose for protection that will last multiple years, while pregnant people should get the vaccine during every pregnancy to protect each baby.
Find out if you are eligible
You can find out if you are eligible for any of the winters vaccines and get information on how to book an appointment, by visiting our winter vaccine pages or speaking to your GP practice.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester, said:
“Winter viruses such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV can cause severe illness and lead to hospitalisation, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. I have seen firsthand the devastating effect these illnesses can have. Vaccines our best defence and can be live-saving.
“Booking an appointment is quick and easy, most people can get their vaccine from their GP or local pharmacy. You may experience some mild side effects, but these should only last a short time, and the benefits of protecting yourself and others from these viruses will continue throughout winter.
“I would urge all those eligible for any of the winter vaccines to please come forward, and if you have a loved one is eligible, please support them to get vaccinated. These vaccines will allow us to keep more people healthy this winter and help ease the strain on the NHS during the difficult winter period ahead.”
