Public urged to check winter vaccine eligibility

Flu vaccine uptake in Surrey was above the national average in 2024, according to the NHS

Residents in Surrey are being urged to protect themselves and others this winter by checking what vaccinations they are eligible for.

A total of 75.8% of people aged 65 and over in the county had flu vaccinations in 2024, according to the NHS.

That was above the national average of 74.9%.

Dr Charlotte Canniff, joint chief medical officer for NHS Surrey Heartlands, told BBC Surrey it was everyone's "responsibility to vaccinate themselves to protect others as well as themselves".

She said getting vaccination was important to protect elderly people and people who cannot have a vaccine for "various reasons".

"Winter can be a particularly dangerous time for many, especially older adults and people with underlying health conditions," Dr Caniff added.

Flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines will be available to those who meet the eligibility criteria, according to the NHS.

"Vaccinations are a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of serious illness and help ease pressure on local health services," Dr Canniff said.

She added that the trust had "expanded their services to meet the demand" for vaccinations.

From 1 October, those aged 65 years and older, adults aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups, those in long stay residential care homes, carers and frontline health and social care workers will be eligible to receive a flu vaccination.

Vaccinations for pregnant women, two and three-year-olds, and school-age children began in September.

The Covid-19 vaccination is available for those who are at highest risk of serious disease, the NHS said.

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