The Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, is urging residents to check their eligibility for free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this winter. In preparation for the colder months, she visited the Seacroft Community Clinic to receive both her free COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. During her visit, the Lord Mayor was accompanied by members of the staff from the Leeds Community Health Care Trust, who were also receiving their winter vaccinations. She expressed her gratitude for their dedicated work and emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated this winter.
Winter is a time when flu and COVID-19 can spread more easily as people spend more time indoors. Getting both vaccines before winter sets in is crucial to fortify yourself and protect those around you.
For information regarding eligibility and where to receive free flu or COVID-19 vaccinations this year, please visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.
Following her vaccination, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, stated, “I want to express my gratitude to the NHS for providing me with my free COVID-19 and flu vaccines ahead of the winter, and I strongly encourage all eligible individuals across Leeds to do the same. It is vital that our city comes together this winter and collectively ensures that we are all prepared for the challenges it may bring. If you are eligible, getting vaccinated is a crucial part of that effort.”
Highlighting the importance of these vaccinations, Victoria Eaton, the Director of Public Health at Leeds City Council, mentioned, “For most healthy individuals, flu and COVID-19 symptoms can lead to fatigue and discomfort, requiring them to stay at home and recover. However, for people with underlying health conditions, learning disabilities, pregnant women, or the elderly, the virus can pose a significant threat.”
She continued, “The vaccine is offered to those most vulnerable to severe illness because it is essential for their well-being during the flu season. With COVID-19 still circulating this year, it is more critical than ever for people to accept the offer of both vaccines to protect themselves from infection by the flu or COVID virus. This will also help alleviate the pressure on NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with COVID-19 and flu.”
Dr. Sarah Forbes, a GP and the Medical Director of the Leeds office of the NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, added, “Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are being offered to those at higher risk of severe illness this winter. If you are eligible and have been offered a vaccine, we encourage you to book an appointment as soon as possible. Vaccination is the most effective way to shield yourself from severe illness and will contribute to reducing the strain on the healthcare system.”