Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent steps have been taken to raise awareness of free flu vaccination availability in Slough.

Across England, including in Slough and Berkshire, NHS winter planning is focused on prevention, readiness and rapid intervention, including improving same-day access to urgent care, proactive support for vulnerable patients, rapid response for care-homes, seven-day discharge capacity, and pre-agreed arrangements to increase capacity during periods of higher demand. Systems are also undertaking stress testing and assurance to identify potential pressures and ensure appropriate escalation arrangements are in place.

In Slough, and across England, we are also taking action to encourage eligible people to come forward for their free flu vaccine. This includes the ‘Stay Strong, Get Vaccinated’ campaign supported by TV, radio and digital advertising. For children, we are also making vaccination easier to access, including through digital consent for school vaccinations, the continued community pharmacy offer for two- and three-year-olds, and catch-up vaccination for children who missed the offer at school.