Protect your health this winter
Last year, thousands of people in north London were admitted to hospital with flu.
If you live with a long-term health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma/lung conditions, liver or kidney disease, cancer, or a weakened immune system, the flu vaccine is safe, effective and free for you. It’s the best way to protect yourself this winter.
*The flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, who can get seriously ill from flu.
You can also get a free flu vaccine if you are a carer or if you’re pregnant.
For more information about the flu jab:
Download the NHS App to help you manage your health condition
The NHS App can help you manage your health condition by:
- ordering repeat prescriptions
- checking test results
- accessing your health records anytime
It’s quick, convenient and can help give you peace of mind.
Your pharmacy is here to help
If you have a minor illness such as a cough, sore throat or earache, your local pharmacist can help.
Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses – often without the need for an appointment.
This winter, many pharmacies now supply medicines for common conditions without the need for a GP prescription, including:
- earache (for those aged between 1 and 17)
-
impetigo – a skin infection with red sores or blisters which is very contagious, but not usually serious. It’s more common in young children.
- infected insect bites
- shingles
- sinusitis – a swelling of the sinuses usually caused by an infection.
- sore throat
- urinary tract infections for women aged 16-64 years.
Pharmacies can now also provide:
-
emergency and prescription contraception
- free blood pressure checks for people aged 40 and over
Are you on low income?
If you’re on a low income, you might be able to get selected medicines for free from a local pharmacy.
Treating minor illnesses like coughs, sore throats or earache early could help you get better quickly and avoid a visit to your GP.
A wide range of common conditions are covered including constipation, diarrhoea, earache, head lice, indigestion, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, allergies, vaginal thrush, nappy rash, teething and more.
