Boost day – get vaccinated to keep healthy

Get a booster this month

The NHS reminds us of the importance of getting our vaccination booster shots to help protect us from viral infections this winter.

Over winter, respiratory illnesses are more communicable. A vaccination helps prevent the spread.

• How SpaDental is helping to keep patients safe this winter.

The NHS is campaigning to help keep everyone healthy. We are encouraged to take advantage of the excellent provision of vaccinations available to residents in England. This winter, flu vaccinations and COVID-19 boosters are critical to protect lives, livelihoods and the NHS.

We encourage you to go ahead, and book a booster today!

Visit the NHS website to make online bookings and to learn more about:

• flu vaccinations here,
• and COVID-19 vaccinations here.

Who can have a vaccination?

COVID-19 vaccinations are an ‘evergreen’ offer. If you haven’t yet done so, take advantage of their availability. Anyone can have a first COVID-19 vaccine, and anyone over 16 can get a second dose. Check out the NHS website to book or find a drop-in vaccination unit near you.

COVID-19 BOOSTER

• • 40+ year olds
  • Adults 16-65 in at risk groups
  • People who are clinically extremely vulnerable
  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • Care home residents and staff

FLU VACCINE

• • 65+ year olds
  • People with long term health conditions
  • Pregnant women
  • Parents of 2-16-year olds
  • 50-64-year old
  • Frontline health and social care workers

The history of vaccines

The development of vaccines has certainly transformed health expectations. Since the first smallpox vaccine was developed, vaccines have transformed our expectations from good health and the health of our children. Over the last three hundred years, many lives have been positively affected through the prevention of illnesses that used to be common, like tuberculosis, measles and polio.

Making the decision to accept vaccination is a good decision. Vaccinations help to protect us, our families and our communities from the ravages a disease can cause as it spreads through the population.

If you are uncertain about vaccinations, read information from trustworthy sources, for example see the links below. Likewise, speak to healthcare workers. Older relations may also be able to tell you about what it was like to contract commonplace illnesses, such as measles, that could be deadly. Nowadays, we are fortunate to live in a society with the prospect of good health thanks to our access to preventive medicines.

In conclusion, seeking reliable information is key. Vaccines protect against serious illness.

In the news:

• Medical News Today explains what is in a vaccine and has a section explaining myths
• WHO immunisation data
• We need anti-biotics – help to prevent antibiotic resistance

Useful Links & Information