• People in Bolton urged to get winter vaccines to protect themselves during festive season
• Royal Bolton Hospital has seen a rise in number of patients with flu
• Free vaccines available for those with higher health risks, pregnant women and over 65s

People in Bolton are being urged to book their winter vaccines to help protect themselves and those around them from flu and COVID-19.

Royal Bolton Hospital has recorded a sharp rise in flu infections, with an average of 36 patients with flu in hospital every day in December so far, up from an average of seven in September.

Robust plans are in place at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust to manage additional demand over the busy winter period, but a sharp increase in flu and COVID-19 patients needing hospital care could cause significant challenges.

These plans include:

• Opening an additional ward to provide extra capacity over winter.
• Opening a new Discharge Unit, which aims to reduce delays for people leaving hospital and free up bed space.
• A new triage initiative in the Emergency Department to get people where they need to be in hospital quickly and safely.

Dr. Francis Andrews, Medical Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Each year we see cases of flu usually peak in December and January.

“People tend to think that flu is a bit like the common cold, but it’s not, and flu can be a very, very serious illness.

“A lot of the patients we’re seeing haven’t been vaccinated and are becoming ill. We of course have the specialist doctors and nurses to support these patients, but we’re asking everyone in Bolton who is eligble for a vaccine to take up the offer.

“People need to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations before the end of Thursday 19 December, so that they can avoid being unwell during Christmas and the festive season – and in some serious cases having to spend it in hospital.

All NHS frontline health workers have also been offered the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and encouraged to protect themselves and those they care for.

How can I get my winter vaccines?

 The NHS is offering free vaccines to those most at risk of being unwell if they catch flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In Bolton, a huge effort is underway help avoid a ‘tripledemic’ this winter, with people having until the end of Thursday 19 December to make an online booking for COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system (COVID-19, flu vaccination), NHS App and 119 phone service.

COVID-19 vaccinations are also available from local GPs and pharmacies until 31 January 2025, and flu vaccinations until 31 March 2025.

Appointments available each week in Bolton offering extra protection to those eligible who have not yet come forward, this includes anyone with a higher health risk, pregnant women, and those aged 65 and over.

People can check if they’re eligible for the free flu vaccine or go to Your guide to who’s eligible for the 2024 flu vaccine – UK Health Security Agency.

Lynn Donkin, Director of Public Health said:

It only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online and many people have already taken up the offer this year, but with just two weeks to go until online bookings close, we’re urging those Bolton residents who haven’t yet come forward to do so.

“Don’t let flu ruin your Christmas – the vaccine takes around two weeks to provide maximum protection so check if you’re eligible and book an appointment now.

“It is still possible to book your vaccinations after 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites, however, there will be fewer Covid vaccine appointments and you may need to travel further.

For the first time ever, the NHS is also offering the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75 to 79.

Pregnant women are encouraged to book their vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.

Keeping well over winter

Bolton GP Federation is helping to keep Bolton people well over the winter months, offering appointments through the Health Hive (Market Place, Knowsley Street, BL1 2AL).

The Federation has partnered with the voluntary and community sector to host pop-up clinics out in community buildings.

Health checks, cancer screening guidance, health and wellbeing advice and COVID vaccines are all on offer for anyone who calls by.

Additionally, the Mobile Health Hive has made a return to Bolton streets, parking up at community centres, supermarkets and shopping areas around the town.

People can find out when and where the pop-up and mobile clinics are being held by visiting: Community Health – Bolton GP federation.