RESIDENTS busy preparing for Diwali celebrations are being urged to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccination, to ensure a safe and healthy celebration.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has put out the call as the vaccines take up to two weeks to build immunity for maximum protection, so getting vaccinated early will help lower the risk of severe illness in time for Diwali.
People over 65 years, pregnant women, those with certain health conditions, those who are carers or living with immunocompromised people, and children are all eligible to get the flu vaccine.
Jasvir Kaur Bal, health protection practitioner with UKHSA West Midlands, said: “The Diwali season is a time when Hindus, Sikhs and Jains come together with family and friends to celebrate over five days, with feasting and exchanging of gifts.
“As Diwali occurs in October or November, this coincides with the winter sickness season – when we typically see cases of flu and Covid-19 increasing. That’s why we’re urging everyone celebrating Diwali who is eligible for their flu and Covid vaccines to prioritise their health and ‘get winter strong’.”
Every winter, thousands of children are hospitalised due to flu, but this is easily prevented by a painless nasal spray vaccination.
Younger children aged two and three years can get this vaccine from their GP, and school-aged children can get it at school with parental consent.
The vaccine helps protect children from flu as well as stopping them spreading the virus to those more vulnerable around them, like grandparents.
Children who cannot have the nasal spray for medical or faith reasons should request an injected flu vaccine instead.
Pregnant women and older people aged 75-79 are also eligible for a RSV vaccination for the first time this year, with the maternal vaccine not only protecting the mother but passing protection through the placenta for newborns in their first few months, when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV.
Kirit Mistry, founder of South Asian Health Action, said: “As we prepare to celebrate the Festival of Lights, it’s important to prioritise our health and well-being, especially with the winter months ahead. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to stay healthy as we come together to spend time with families and friends.
“Vaccinations not only keep us safe from serious illness but also help ensure a joyful and sickness-free Diwali. Let’s come together, stay healthy, and celebrate this festival of lights with peace of mind.”
Anyone eligible can now book their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.
For the RSV jab, pregnant women and older adults should speak to their maternity service or GP practice to arrange.
