Get Your Winter Vaccines at Miles Clinic

The question everyone is being asked by their GP and family members: have you booked your flu and COVID-19 jabs? The appointment reminders have been sent out, and now is the time to secure your vaccination appointment for flu and covid so you’ve got as much immunity as possible for winter 2024.

Every year, thousands of people across the UK are affected by flu and COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is a simple yet effective way to protect yourself and those around you. With both the flu jab and COVID-19 booster available from Miles Pharmacy & Travel Clinic, now is the time to act and stay protected.

Why It’s Important to Get the Flu and COVID-19 Jabs

The flu and COVID-19 may have similar symptoms, but both can lead to serious illness, especially in vulnerable groups. Flu can cause anything from a few days of feeling unwell to more severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or even hospitalisation.

Similarly, COVID-19, although it may seem to have become part of our daily lives or forgotten by some people, still poses a risk, particularly for those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions.

By getting vaccinated, you reduce the likelihood of becoming seriously ill if you catch either virus. The flu jab has been shown to reduce the risk of catching flu by between 40% and 60%, depending on the strain circulating that year. On the other hand, COVID-19 vaccines have proven highly effective at reducing the severity of symptoms, hospitalisation rates, and the spread of the virus. With both vaccinations combined, you give yourself the best chance of staying healthy throughout winter.

The last thing anyone wants to be dealing with as the time for Christmas parties and markets comes around is feeling unwell with flu and COVID.

Book Your Flu and COVID-19 Jabs Now

We understand that life gets busy, but making the time to get vaccinated is a simple step that could prevent weeks of illness.

To make it easy for you, our online booking system is now available for you to get an appointment at a time to suit you. We’re open Monday to Saturday with appointments available to book now. For ease, you can add multiple people to one booking so that the whole family can get their vaccines at one. You can book your flu jab and your covid jabs online now.

Who Is Eligible for the Flu Jab?

Each year, the NHS encourages specific groups to get the flu jab, as they are more at risk of developing complications from the virus. If you fall into one of these groups, booking your flu vaccine in Epsom is particularly important:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• People with certain medical conditions: This includes individuals with chronic respiratory diseases (such as asthma or COPD), heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems.
• Pregnant women
• Carers and healthcare workers

Even if you don’t fall into one of these groups, you can still book a flu jab for yourself to keep your immunity high.

Who Is Eligible for the COVID-19 Jab?

The eligibility for the COVID-19 booster changes based on guidance from health authorities and the ongoing assessment of who is most at risk. Generally, those who are eligible are similar to those of the flu jab.

If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible for the COVID-19 booster, it’s worth checking with our pharmacists who will be happy to advise you.

Protect Yourself and Others

Remember when you get vaccinated, you’re helping to protect your family, friends, and community. Flu and COVID-19 can spread easily, especially in winter when we tend to spend more time indoors. By getting your flu jab and COVID-19 booster, you’re doing your part to reduce the spread and keep others safe.

If you’re in Epsom or the surrounding areas, booking your flu jab or COVID-19 booster couldn’t be easier with Miles Pharmacy. Simply choose your preferred date and time online, provide a few details and you’re all set. Our pharmacy is conveniently located in Epsom, not far from the train station and public transport links so you can get your winter vaccinations quickly and easily.

So why wait? Book your flu and COVID-19 jabs today and enjoy a healthier winter.

For more information about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, visit the NHS flu vaccine page and NHS COVID-19 vaccine page.