Winter Health 2024
Age UK London's annual Winter Health campaign addresses the health challenges faced by older Londoners during the colder months.The campaign aims to empower people to make informed decisions about their physical and mental health including accessing balanced information on winter vaccines.
Everyone aged 65 and over is eligible for the free flu vaccine as well as the free covid vaccine.
Read Dr Oge's Blog
Check out this blog from Dr Oge Ilozue on staying healthy over winter.
As part of the campaign, Age UK London produces leaflets, posters and annually runs both in person and online Q&A sessions with practising London GPs o giving older Londoners an opportunity to get their questions on all aspects of their health and wellbeing, answered directly by a trusted clinician.
Winter health Event Video
You can watch the video of the Winter Health Event here.
NHS England are concerned about the number of people being admitted to hospital with flu and other respiratory diseases this winter. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent infectious diseases as they teach our immune system how to recognise and fight viruses. Vaccines may not prevent illness, but they will greatly reduce your chances of ending up in hospital. If you have not had your free flu vaccination, you can still get it at your local pharmacy up until March 31st .
You can find your local pharmacy by clicking on this NHS weblink here or alternatively you can telephone 111 (free from any phone) or go online to 111.nhs.uk. You do not need to be registered with a GP and no immigration checks are carried out when you get the flu jab. Immunity wanes over time and these viruses change each year that is why its important to protect yourself and those around you.
Q&A Winter Vaccines
Dr Jeeves responds to the most popular questions about the flu and covid vaccines. You can find out more here.
Poster
Download our winter health and vaccines poster here
Winter Vaccines Leaflet
You can download your winter health and vaccines leaflet here
Case Studies
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Read Asoke story
We recently spoke to Asoke, an older Londoner, to ask about his thoughts on the flu jab and why it is so important to protect yourself and those around you this year.
What are your thoughts on the flu jab? Have they changed in light of the current situation?
'I have been taking the vaccination against flu for a number of years. It has become more important now because of coronavirus.
I have already had my flu jab this year. The GP surgery sent me a text to book an appointment which we did and had my jab last Saturday.
Many people who could be vulnerable to flu could also be susceptible to Covid-19. People who may suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma may have more likelihood of catching both diseases, at least we have a vaccination against flu so it is very important that we protect against it and wait until a vaccine against coronavirus is found.'Do your friends and people close to you feel the same as yourself?
'Most of my friends have taken flu vaccinations as have my wife. Their thoughts for taking vaccination against flu are similar to my own thoughts. Coronavirus has put all of us in a danger zone, many people that I know of are waiting for a vaccine against it as well as trying to protect themselves against flu and pneumonia.' -
Read Arvind's story
We recently spoke to Arvind, to ask about his thoughts on the flu jab and why this year is even more important than ever.
What are your thoughts on the flu jab? Have they changed in light of the current situation?
'Last year, I found that there were not many comments and interest but this year the response seems much better. I have heard that they have posters up at GP surgeries and churches in my neighbourhood so I think the campaign must be successful.
I have been encouraging my friends and pretty much everyone I speak to go and get it through their GP or at the pharmacy.'
Is there anything you feel needs to be talked about more?
'I think it is really important for BAME people to go and get the flu jab, especially in light of the recent Covid-19 studies.
My other concern is what happens to people who don’t have a mobile phone and can’t receive a text for appointments? GP surgeries should make time to contact people directly via their landline. This is a suggestion from personal experience but I think it could be one way of encouraging older isolated people more.'