Get ready to be festive by getting your Covid-19 and flu vaccines so you can stay merry and bright.

The NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) is sharing further details of its Covid-19 and flu vaccination programme to protect the most vulnerable in our communities ahead of the festive season.

To date, over 504,529 vaccines have been administered to eligible people in LLR since 11 September 2023. But as the festive season is nearly upon us, getting vaccinated should be an important part of your festive preparations if you’ve yet to get protected.

Dr Virginia Ashman, a GP, and clinical lead for the Covid-19 and flu vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland said: “Viruses such as Covid and flu spread much faster during the colder winter months causing a sharp increase in cases. We spend more time indoors with more people at festive parties and events, so it becomes much easier to catch and spread the viruses to other people. Those that are pregnant, aged 65 or over, or have a weakened immune system, maybe due to an existing health condition or because of medical treatment, or those with a long-term health condition, are all at risk from becoming seriously unwell from the effects of the viruses and could even end up requiring hospitalisation.

“The best gift you can give to help prevent the spread of the viruses is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible. It’s the best way to significantly reduce the risk of passing the viruses on to those that are most at-risk. It will also help to ease the pressure on NHS services during an already busy time of year. If you are unsure if you, your child, or anyone in your home is eligible you can speak to your GP practice, local pharmacy or by visiting our website.”

There are new clinics becoming available every day to make it even easier for people to boost their immunity, including specialist clinics that are dedicated to vaccinating eligible children ranging from five to 18 years of age and those with learning disabilities that require a more calming environment.

In Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) there are a variety of ways in which people can access vaccines ahead of the festive period. The mobile vaccination unit (MVU) hosts walk-in clinics across LLR and it has now vaccinated over 5,000 people since the start of this year’s autumn/winter seasonal vaccine programme. The MVU offers people the opportunity to get vaccinated in a convenient location close to their home or work place. It has also helped to vaccinate some of the city and counties most vulnerable people by adapting to suit patients’ requirements.

Dr Ashman concludes, “Vaccines require up to 14 days to become fully effective once administered, we strongly urge all eligible people to get ready to be festive by getting vaccinated as soon as possible so that you are fully protected in time for the festive period. You will also massively reduce any chance of passing infection on to your family and friends.”

After 15 December the NHS national booking service website and 119 telephone booking service will no longer be open to make vaccination bookings. All future walk-in vaccination clinic information for LLR residents will be available here: Vaccinations – LLR ICB and you can also visit your local pharmacy or contact your GP practice.