Health experts have urged Salford residents to book their seasonal vaccinations ahead of winter.
Flu and child immunisations are now available to book at SSP Health’s The Height General Practice on Bolton Road as part of a drive to keep communities safe this winter.
According to the most recent Salford Public Health Report, carried out by Partners in Salford, flu vaccination rates dropped in 23/24 for the over-65-year-olds and pregnant women.
Both of these groups have higher risk levels compared to the rest of the population.
In the past 12 months, SSP Health teams have already delivered nearly 25,000 flu vaccinations across the North West, helping thousands of patients stay safe.
Since 1 September 2024, they have delivered 35,221 immunisations across the region, not just for flu, but also for measles, shingles, and other preventable illnesses; in total, they have administered over one million jabs to people in the area.
Nationally, flu leads to an average of around 17,000 deaths in England each year and since the start of 2025 Salford now has the third-highest number of measles cases in England, with 35 confirmed by lab scientists.
“Vaccines are one of the best protections we’ve got, for ourselves, our families and our neighbours,” said SSP Health CEO Andy Scaife.
“We want people to enjoy the winter season without the worry of flu, measles, or other preventable illnesses. Getting your jab is quick, safe and could make all the difference.”
It’s not just flu that doctors are warning about this winter. Three other seasonal vaccines are also being urged for older and at-risk groups; shingles, pneumococcal (IPD) and RSV.
Around 50,000 shingles cases hit over-70s in England and Wales every year, with almost a third of patients developing long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia. In severe cases, shingles can be fatal, with one in 1,000 over-70s dying from it. The vaccine is now offered from age 65 in stages, as well as to those severely immunosuppressed from age 18.
Pneumococcal (IPD) can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis, killing thousands every year. More than 5,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease are diagnosed annually in England, mainly affecting the very young, elderly and those with chronic conditions. All adults aged 65 and over, plus those aged 2–64 in clinical risk groups, are eligible.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a major cause of respiratory illness in infants and older adults. It is behind 175,000 GP visits and up to 7,500 deaths among older adults in England and Wales every winter, mostly in people over 75. From this year, all adults aged 75–79 will be called for the vaccine, with pregnant women also eligible.
This winter, the free NHS flu jab is being offered to those most at risk, including everyone aged 65 and over, children aged 2 and 3, and all primary school pupils plus some secondary school students in Years 7 to 11.
Pregnant women, care home residents, people with certain medical conditions (including babies over six months old), carers, those living with immunocompromised people, and frontline health and social care workers are also encouraged to get protected.
To make things simple, flu vaccinations at The Height General Practice are currently only available to pregnant women and children, with all other eligible groups being able to get theirs from 1st October.
People can still book an appointment to get the Flu vaccine now for after 1st October but the practice won’t be able to offer the vaccine to those groups until that date.
Andy added: “We know life is busy, but getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do for your health. If you’re eligible, don’t put it off. Book your jab and give yourself peace of mind for the winter months.”
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