Winter is coming: time for the influenza jab

t’s that time of year when we roll up our sleeves and prepare to give and receive the influenza (‘flu) vaccine – again. Every year, winter resilience is the priority for health and social care services and we all need to do our bit in reducing GP consultations, A&E attendances, hospitalisations and excess deaths.

The ‘flu vaccine is one key component in our armoury. By vaccinating those most vulnerable to influenza, we play a huge role in protecting our population from this infectious disease and reducing the burden on our health and social care systems. Vaccination also helps reduce staff absences amongst health and social care workers, thereby supporting our workforce to deliver their care throughout the winter.