Flu vaccine won't protect against Covid - but it will still save lives, say Milton Keynes Health bosses

Health experts from the local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) say the vaccine is "safe and effective" and will save lives by preventing the serious health complications associated with flu.

The vaccination will not protect against coronavirus, however those at higher risk from Covid are also at higher risk of developing complications from flu..

GP practices and pharmacies throughout MK are continuing to run flu clinics during the current national lockdown and patients should continue to attend clinics when invited.

.Those eligible for a free flu vaccine are:

· * People aged 65 and over (including those who'll be 65 by 31 March 2021)

· * People with certain health conditions such as diabetes, heart problems and liver or kidney Disease

· * Women who are pregnant

· * People in a long-stay residential care

· * People who receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if they get sick

· * People who live with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)

· * Frontline health or social care workers

Dr Sanhita Chakrabarti the Clinical Lead for Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Groups said: “The flu vaccine is safe and effective. It will prevent serious health complications associated with the flu and can save lives. Anyone who is invited by their GP to have the free flu jab should not think twice about having it. Your GP and local pharmacy will still be open during lockdown to provide flu vaccinations to both adults and children.”

To maintain social distancing, flu clinics will be operating differently this year to ensure patients and staff are kept safe. GP practices will notify patients how they will be delivering flu clinics before their appointment.

This year the NHS is embarking on its most ambitious flu vaccination programme to date that will include all school children up to year seven and, subject to availability, people aged 50 to 64, who don’t normally have a flu jab, may also be offered one from November. However, flu vaccines will first go to those most at risk.