Flu, RSV, COVID-19

Respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (also known as RSV) and COVID-19, are common at this time of year. Here is how you can help to keep yourself and others safe:

Vaccinations

If you are eligible, make sure you have your vaccine. The vaccine gives your body’s immune system a set of instructions so it can watch out and resist the virus. This helps to keep you healthy.

Find out more about vaccines on the NHS website.

Stop the spread of germs

Wash your hands and clean the surfaces in your home or office often. 
If you have a cough or a sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, throw the tissue away, and wash your hands.

If you are feeling unwell stay at home where possible or keep a distance from others to stop the spread of germs.

When meeting inside a supply of fresh air can help stop germs or respiratory infections. If people are comfortable, open a window or door to let fresh air in.

Find out more about how to recover from COVID-19. 

Winter vaccinations

Some people are at higher risk of serious illness if they catch RSV, COVID-19, or flu and need a vaccine to protect them. 

These people include: 

• all adults aged 65 years and over
• people aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• frontline health and social care workers
• people aged 12 to 64 years who live with people with immunosuppression
• people aged 16 to 64 years who are carers and staff working in care homes for older adults
• the RSV vaccine is for adults aged 75 – 79 years and people in their 28th week of pregnancy

You can book through the NHS website. If you prefer to book over the phone, please call 119.  

It’s important to have RSV, COVID-19, and flu vaccinations as soon as you can ahead of the winter period. If you are eligible for a vaccine, please do have it. It tops up your protection. 

You can find out more about vaccines here: 

• RSV
• Flu
• Covid-19

Babies, adults who are sixty-five or over and people with certain health conditions can have a pneumonia vaccine. Learn more about pneumonia vaccines.

Choosing the right care this winter

Hospitals, GP practices, and other healthcare services can get very busy in winter. 

Getting the right care at the right time is important to keep well. Follow these steps to find the right care.

If you need health advice fast, but it's not an emergency, you can speak to a pharmacist. They can help with advice and over the counter remedies if possible.

If your GP practice is closed, you can contact GP Care Wakefield if you need help the same day:

• Monday to Friday, 5pm to 9.30pm
• Saturdays, 9am to 5pm
• Sundays, 9am to 1pm

Please call your usual practice number and you will be redirected to the service.

For urgent, non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries, King Street Walk In Centre in Wakefield is open from 10am to 10pm every day, including Bank Holidays. 

Pontefract Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) is available and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To book an appointment, please call the NHS on 111.

NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can help if you have an urgent medical problem and are unsure of where to get help. Go to 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over only) or call 111.

Only call 999 or go to A&E in serious or life-threatening situations

First aid kit

You can keep a small amount of basic medicine for minor illnesses or injuries at home. This could include:

• paracetamol
• plasters
• indigestion remedy
• anti-diarrhoeal medicine

Visit the St John Ambulance website for advice on what you should keep in your first aid kit here: First Aid Kit Contents & Supplies Checklist | St John Ambulance (sja.org.uk). You can also ask your local pharmacist for advice.

Support for children

You can find health advice for children on the West Yorkshire Healthier Together website.