Flu jab campaign moves to TikTok as 10 million are vaccinated

More than 10 million people in England have now had their flu jab, and millions more are being urged to come forward before winter, as the government takes its vaccination campaign onto TikTok for the first time.

The Department of Health and Social Care said on Thursday that a new social media campaign would run on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok, promoting a new feature in the NHS App that helps people check whether they are eligible and book a flu jab at a community pharmacy.

"Vaccines save lives"

The health minister James Frith said: "Vaccines save lives. It has never been easier to find out if you are eligible and get vaccinated, helping protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during the winter season."

"Eligibility is focused on those most vulnerable, from young children to older adults and people with long-term health conditions, so if you are eligible, please come forward this winter."

Dr Amanda Doyle, the NHS national director for primary care and community services, said jabs were available at GP surgeries, high street pharmacies, pop-up clinics and in schools. "The NHS app is a fantastic and quick way to book, or you can contact your GP or find a pharmacy near you," she said.

"If you're a parent, we're making it easier to consent to your child being vaccinated in school with new digital forms. We are expecting this winter to be tough, but flu vaccines are a vital way for you to avoid becoming really ill and hospitalised, so please do book your flu jab as soon as possible."

Who is eligible

The free NHS flu vaccine is offered to people most at risk, including those aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain long-term health conditions, carers and people living in care homes. Children aged two and three are offered it at their GP surgery, and school-age children are offered a quick nasal spray at school.

Doctors at Birmingham Children's Hospital said this week that flu was starting to rise in the city, and urged parents to make sure children had their vaccine, alongside advice on spotting croup and other winter viruses.

Cold weather warning

The UK Health Security Agency also warned about the dangers of cold weather. Dr Agostinho Sousa, its head of extreme events and health protection, said around 2,200 people died as a result of very low temperatures last winter.

"Even short periods of cold weather can have serious effects on health and can lead to increased deaths in the days and weeks that follow," he said. "As we head into winter, it is important that everyone takes simple steps to protect themselves and others. This includes keeping parts of our homes warm, checking in on friends, family and neighbours that are most vulnerable, and following weather forecasts and public health advice during cold weather."

People who are not sure whether they are eligible can check through the NHS App or the NHS website, or ask their GP surgery or local pharmacy. Some pharmacies also offer flu jabs privately for people who are not eligible for a free one.