As cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV continue to take their hold in across the country and in Manchester, the city’s health chiefs are asking people to help by having their Winter vaccinations.
In particular, the city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year and is urging those who are eligible for a free flu jab to come forward and have it to help with protecting themselves – and others.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed (www.manchester.gov.uk/getmy jab).
In addition to this, there are other precautions that residents can take to help stave off respiratory illness and sick bugs.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said:
“Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic. It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections. And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said:
“Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
