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The vaccine needs two weeks to become fully effective, so getting vaccinated in early December ensures protection during the festive season. There are lots of ways to get a flu vaccine including via GP practices, pharmacies and walk-in clinics.

Local resident Martin Kerslake from Duxford had his flu vaccine at a walk-in clinic last month, he said:

“I caught flu one Christmas and it was rotten. As I now work in an open plan office with many people coming and going it makes perfect sense to get vaccinated. The vaccine clinic was easy to access, I walked in and it was done in five minutes.”

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine are people who:

• are aged 65 or over
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance or live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• all children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions. 

Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccination Service Lead with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said:

“We understand that life can be busy and you’ve got good intentions to get your flu vaccine, but not got around to it yet. However, getting vaccinated only takes a few minutes and gives you months of protection against flu.

“Over the Christmas break as we get together with friends and family indoors, viruses like flu can spread more easily. So if you’re eligible for a free vaccine through the NHS, or you want to protect yourself and help others by paying for a vaccine at a pharmacy, there are lots of appointments available across the county.”

To find out more about these vaccines and how to book them, or find a walk-in clinic, please visit The Vaccinators website https://www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators  

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