The NFU want to make it clear that before machinery, livestock, or buildings, the number one priority for protection throughout winter this year really needs to be the farmer themselves.
“First on the to-do list should be getting vaccinated for Covid and flu”, says NFU Cumbria County Adviser Helen Forrester.
“NHS North Cumbria Clinical Commissioning Group have made the process of getting a covid vaccine very straight forward with drop-in sessions available throughout the county."
NFU North West Regional Director David Hall agreed, pointing out that protection from flu this year needed to be given the same priority as covid vaccinations.
“Getting together again as a rural community is fantastic. We all want to enjoy the buzz of busy Cumbrian auction marts as well as parties and get togethers in the run up to Christmas, but it’s important we appreciate the risks social mixing to pre pandemic levels pose,” said Mr Hall.
“It’s imperative no added burden is put upon the NHS in Cumbria this winter and I worry the seasonal flu virus could exacerbate the problems we already face with covid.
“Farmers can help by going onto the NHS website today and finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccine.”
Where can I get my Covid jab?
Flu jab
Find a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccine here: https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service