Stay well this winter

As we approach the winter months and continue to protect ourselves from Covid-19 it’s more important than ever that we minimise our chances of getting seasonal illnesses such as Flu.

Book your flu vaccination 

Carnival UK encourages everyone to keep themselves, their colleagues and their families and friends safe and well by getting the Flu vaccine this Winter.

Those eligible for a free vaccination from their registered GP (see eligibility above) should contact with their GP surgery to book an appointment.

For those not eligible for a free vaccination Carnival UK have made arrangements to deliver a limited number of vaccinations to employees at any one of Boots 1500 stores.

While we want to keep everyone safe and well this winter, due to limited numbers of vaccinations available at Boots, we encourage you to only register if you are not eligible for a vaccination at your GP surgery and/or fully intend on booking an appointment.

If you would like to receive the flu vaccination and are not eligible for a free vaccination at your GP surgery please click here to register. 

Once you have completed your registration Boots will be in touch with you directly in the coming weeks with an e-voucher for you to take to your nearest store.

For full details of the steps Boots have put in place to keep customers and colleagues safe, click here.   

What is Flu?

Flu is a highly contagious illness that clears up in a week for most but it can also be more serious for those in vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions.

Seasonal  Flu also presents an additional risk this year as  some evidence suggests a double infection of Covid-19 and Flu is more deadly than either alone.

But does the vaccine really work?

Every year there is some scepticism about how effective the Flu vaccine is, however there are also studies that show the Flu vaccine does help to prevent you getting the Flu.  While it will not stop all Flu viruses and the level of protection may vary, it will be a milder strain and shorter-lived than it would otherwise have been.

Possible side effects

Side effects from the Flu vaccine are rare but you may experience a mild fever and aching muscles for a couple of days after having the vaccine, and your arm may be a bit sore where you were injected.

How safe is the flu vaccine?

The Flu vaccine has been thoroughly tested and has a good safety record.  Most adults can have the Flu vaccine, but speak to the nurse if you have had a serious reaction to the vaccine in the past.

Protecting the most vulnerable

To help protect the most vulnerable the Flu vaccine is available at GP surgeries free of charge for the following people;

– People on the NHS shielding patient list
– People living with someone who’s on the NHS shielded patient list
– Pregnant women
– All children aged two to ten on or after 31 August 2020
– Those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
– Carers
– Those aged 65 years and over
– Those in long-stay residential care homes
– Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
– Frontline health and social care staff