Bus featuring new advert is unveiled in Wigan as NHS launches campaign for winter jabs

The Get Winter Strong campaign encourages those eligible to join the thousands of people across Greater Manchester who have already received the jabs.

There will be a series of radio adverts fronted by TV and radio presenter Angellica Bell and featuring clinicians from across Greater Manchester.

Further content will be seen on social media, town centre and roadside sites, in newspapers and blazoned across the tram and bus network.

One of the buses featuring the campaign was unveiled at the Go Ahead Wigan depot in Ashton by Dr Helen Wall, a GP and clinical director of population health at NHS Greater Manchester.

She said: “Winter viruses such as flu, Covid-19 and RSV can cause severe illness and lead to hospitalisation, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. I have seen first-hand the devastating effect these illnesses can have. Vaccines are our best defence and can be live-saving.

“Booking an appointment is quick and easy – most people can get their vaccine from their GP or local pharmacy. You may experience some mild side effects, but these should only last a short time and the benefits of protecting yourself and others from these viruses will continue throughout winter.

“I would urge all those eligible for any of the winter vaccines to please come forward, and if you have a loved one is eligible, please support them to get vaccinated. These vaccines will allow us to keep more people healthy this winter and help ease the strain on the NHS during the difficult winter period ahead.”

Appointments are available now for people eligible for the winter vaccinations, which includes jabs for flu and coronavirus, as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a new vaccine being offered for the first time this year.

So far, 150,000 people across Greater Manchester have been vaccinated.

During the colder months, viruses spread more easily as people gather indoors.

The vaccines are free to those who are eligible and help to build up immunity to the virus, so the body will fight it off more easily.

While vaccinated people can still catch the virus, symptoms are likely to be milder and they are less likely to get seriously ill.

It also helps to prevent passing on the virus to others, so those who are vulnerable are protected too.

For the first time, pregnant women and people aged 75 to 79 years are being offered the RSV vaccine.

RSV is an incredibly common but potentially very serious respiratory infection and can be particularly dangerous for young babies and older people.

Older people need just one dose for protection that will last multiple years, while women should get the vaccine during every pregnancy to protect each baby.

Unlike flu and coronavirus, the RSV vaccine is available all year round, not just seasonally.

For information about who is eligible for the winter vaccines and how to book an appointment, visit gmintegratedcare.org.uk/winter-vaccinations/ or speak to your GP.