Manchester’s canine companions leading the way to walk-in clinics across the city
Council teams – and a selection of canine candidates – are urging anyone who is eligible for a flu or Covid vaccination to come forward now, so that the jabs have time to kick in ahead of Christmas and family festivities.
Using its very own Dachshund, or ‘Vaxxie-Daxxie’, to lead the way, the playful pup can be seen on social media directing people to where they can find walk-in clinics – where no appointment is needed – or other ways of booking the vaccinations.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “We all know how busy people’s calendars get at this time of year and that window for getting as much protection as possible is now – because the vaccinations take around 14 days to be as effective as possible.
“We’ve heard that many people think that Covid ‘has gone away’ – it hasn’t and cases are increasing in the city, same as flu – which is expected at this time of year. That’s why it is so important that people act now so that they don’t get ill themselves or pass viruses to others who may be more susceptible to becoming very ill.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “And, every time one person gets a vaccination they are also helping others because there is less chance of them passing a virus on, especially when there are so many social events between now and new year.”
Recent statistics from the UK Health Security Agency show that children aged 5-14 years have a higher rate of confirmed flu cases than any other age group.
All school-aged children, up to and including Year 11, are eligible for a free flu vaccine and parents are being asked to sign and return consent forms, so that their children don’t miss out. Most children will be offered the nasal spray, but there is also an alternative flu injection that does not contain any porcine, which parents can also ask for.
For more information on Manchester’s vaccination offer and walk-in clinics go to manchester.gov.uk/getmyjab.
