NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Urge Residents to Protect Themselves This Winter

As winter approaches, NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin are urging eligible residents to strengthen their winter defences by getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). These vaccines are free for those who qualify and offer the best protection against serious illness from common winter viruses.

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “Vaccines are our best defence against serious illness. With winter upon us, I encourage everyone eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines as soon as possible. These vaccinations not only protect you but also reduce pressures on NHS services during this busy period.

“There are now only a few weeks left to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment either online or by calling 119 as the offer ends on 20 December. So, I would encourage anyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine who hasn’t yet come forward to book an appointment while they can.”

This year’s vaccination programme is underway. Those eligible for a winter COVID-19 vaccination are:

• residents in a care home for older adults
• all adults aged 65 years and over
• Those aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults

To book a COVID vaccine appointment call 119 or book a COVID vaccination online. Eligible individuals are reminded that the last day to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment is Wednesday, 20 December. After this date, COVID-19 vaccines will only be available at local pop-up clinics on a walk-in basis. Flu vaccines will still be available after 20 December and people can continue to book appointments via the NHS website or their local pharmacy.

Those eligible for the free flu vaccine include:

• All children aged 2 or 3 years
• Primary and secondary school-aged children
• People aged 65 and over
• Adults aged 18 to under 65 in clinical risk groups
• Residents in care homes
• Carers or those receiving carer’s allowance
• Household contacts of individuals with weakened immune systems

Vaccines can be accessed through GP surgeries, pharmacies, maternity services, or care homes. You can book a pharmacy appointment online.

For the first time, an RSV vaccine is being offered to:

• Adults aged 75-79 years
• Pregnant women (from 28 weeks) to protect newborns in their first few months of life

RSV is a contagious virus affecting the airways and lungs, causing wheezing, shortness of breath, and potentially life-threatening complications like pneumonia. It poses the greatest risk to older adults and young babies.

While most cases improve on their own, RSV hospitalises thousands of older adults and newborns each year, with some cases sadly resulting in death.

To protect newborns, maternity services are offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. Vaccines are also available through GP practices.

Rachel Robinson, Director of Public Health for Shropshire Council, said: “Every year we strongly encourage our residents to get their vaccinations, as they give extra protection against common winter illnesses. These illnesses can be very harmful and vaccination really can make a big difference.

“Even if you aren’t in a vulnerable group, getting vaccinated will reduce the likelihood of you passing an illness onto others, significantly reducing the spread and severity of these viruses.

“I would urge anyone who can to get their vaccinations as soon as possible this winter and encourage friends and family to do the same.”

For more information about staying healthy this winter and vaccinations, visit NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin’s website.