Keep Warm Keep WellFlu vaccineIf you're eligible, getting your flu vaccine every year is important as it reduces your risk of getting severe symptoms. Who should have the flu vaccineAdults at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu and most children are eligible for the flu vaccine. How to get the flu vaccineIf you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service or care home, or through their employer if they're a frontline health or social care worker. Most school-aged children (reception to year 11) will be offered their flu vaccine at school. The last date you will be able to get your flu vaccine is 31 March 2027, but it's best to get vaccinated sooner to protect yourself during winter. Online booking will close on 30 March 2027. Find out moreCOVID-19 vaccineIf you're eligible, getting your COVID-19 vaccine every year is important as it reduces your risk of getting severe symptoms. COVID-19 spreads more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors. Who should have the COVID-19 vaccineYou can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
How to get the COVID-19 vaccineIf you're eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can:
Some people may be able to get vaccinated at a local service, such as a community pharmacy or a GP surgery, or at a care home if they live in a care home. You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment. The last date you will be able to get your COVID-19 vaccine is 31 January 2027. Online booking will close on 30 January 2027. Other vaccinationsYou may also be eligible for other vaccinations, including the:
These vaccinations help protect against serious illnesses that are more common in the winter, including pneumonia. Who's most at risk from cold weather?Some people are more vulnerable to the effects of cold weather. This includes:
Get advice if you feel unwellIf you're 65 or over, or in one of the other at-risk groups, it's important to get medical help as soon as you feel unwell. You can get help and advice from:
The sooner you get advice, the sooner you're likely to get better. In an emergency, go to A&E immediately or call 999. Keep warm and get help with heatingKeeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression. Heat your home to a temperature that's comfortable for you. If you can, this should be at least 18?C in the rooms that you regularly use, such as your living room and bedroom. This is particularly important if you have a health condition. It's best to keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Check your heating and cooking appliances are safe. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to make sure they're working properly. You can find an engineer from the Gas Safe Register website. Make sure your home is fire safe. For fire safety advice specific to you and your home, visit the online home fire safety check website to complete a safety check for your home. Make sure you're getting all the help that you're entitled to. There are grants, benefits and advice available to make your home more energy efficient, improve your heating or help with bills. Find out more about ways to save energy in your home from GOV.UK, or call the government helpline on 0800 444 202. You can also find out more from GOV.UK about benefits and financial support if you're on a low income. Look in on vulnerable neighbours and relativesRemember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need some extra help over the winter. There's a lot you can do to help people who need support. Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery, and cold weather can stop people from going out. Keep in touch with your friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they're feeling unwell. Make sure they're stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they cannot go out. If they do need to go out in the cold, encourage them to wear shoes with a good grip and a scarf around the mouth to protect them from cold air, and to reduce their risk of chest infections. Make sure they get any prescription medicines before the holiday period starts and if bad weather is forecast. If they need help over the holiday period when the GP surgery or pharmacy is closed or they're not sure what to do, go to 111.nhs.uk<&t=/">111.nhs.uk or call 111. If you're worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council or call the Age UK helpline on 0800 678 1602 (8am to 7pm every day). You can find your local council on GOV.UK. If you're concerned the person may have hypothermia, go to 111.nhs.uk<&t=/">111.nhs.uk or call 111. More information
Information for other parts of the UKSexual Health AdviceThroughout this series we have help and advice on staying healthy, dealing with Sexually Transmitted Infections, the risks of each type of the most popular gay sex and what to do if the sex you have is not consentual. The topics covered in this series include:
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