Muslim community urged to get vaccinated to stay well this winter

Those from the Muslim community are being encouraged to come forward for their flu and COVID-19 vaccines so they can stay well throughout winter. 

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available and those who are eligible are being encouraged to take up this free offer to help prevent communities from becoming vulnerable to serious illness. 

Everyone aged 65 and over is eligible for a free flu and COVID-19 vaccine, as well as pregnant women and those with certain long-term health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Both vaccines are the best defence to reduce the chances of getting seriously unwell.

Children are also eligible for a free flu vaccine. Each winter, thousands of children need to go to hospital for treatment, including intensive care, with children under the age of five years having one of the highest rates of hospital admissions due to flu. By getting vaccinated, your child also protects others around them, including babies, grandparents, and people with weak immune systems. 

Parents are urged to ensure their children’s vaccination consent forms are completed, and that eligible pre-schoolers are booked for appointments at the GP practice to help reduce the spread of flu this autumn and winter. Children in Reception to Year 11 will be offered the free nasal spray flu vaccine, delivered in schools by immunisation teams up and down the country. Children aged two and three (on or before 31 August) are eligible for the free nasal spray via their GP practice.

The nasal spray is a porcine-containing product. If parents have concerns, they should speak to a trusted religious leader. Children who can’t have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons can request an injected flu vaccine instead.

Dr Mohammed Umer, a Lancashire and South Cumbria GP, said: “The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are the best defence to reduce your chances of getting sick this winter.

“We know that uptake in many communities is far below what we need it to be especially for those who are vulnerable. Please don’t delay your decision to get vaccinated. As well as the vaccinations being life-saving, they also reduce hospital admissions and community outbreaks – helping to protect those who are more vulnerable and the elderly, such as grandparents.

"We know many people in our community have religious concerns about the porcine content of the nasal flu spray, but they should know that the flu injection for both children and adults is free of this. Parents who may not routinely be offered the injectable flu vaccine and have concerns with the nasal vaccine for children can request an injectable vaccine instead."