Brrr! The cold don dey show itself well well this week. 🥶
If you never bring out your jackets, thermals and extra layers — now is the time o!
For many Nigerians in the UK, winter can be tough — especially if you’re over 65, have health conditions, or you’re simply not used to this kind of cold. But with a few simple steps, you can stay safe, warm and healthy this season.
3 Quick Tips to Protect Yourself This Winter
🦠 Get your winter vaccinations
If you’re eligible for the flu jab or COVID-19 winter vaccine, abeg book it early. It reduces your risk of serious illness.
🌡 Keep your home warm
Try to keep your home at 18°C or higher, especially your bedroom and living room.
👨👩👦 Check on your people
Call or visit friends, family, church members and neighbours — especially elderly Nigerians who might be struggling with the cold.
More advice: nhs.uk/staywell
Winter Vaccinations You May Be Eligible For
1️⃣ Flu Vaccine
Recommended for:
- Adults at higher risk
- Most children (Reception to Year 11)
- Pregnant women
- Elderly people
- Some frontline health & care workers
How to get it:
✔ GP surgery
✔ Pharmacy (walk-in or online booking)
✔ Schools (for school-age children)
Deadline: 31 March 2026 (but get it early!)
2️⃣ COVID-19 Winter Vaccine
Eligible groups include:
- People aged 75+
- Anyone 6 months to 74 years with weakened immunity
- Older adult care home residents
How to get it:
✔ Online booking
✔ NHS App
✔ Walk-in vaccine centres
Deadline: 31 January 2026
Other Vaccines
Depending on age or health status, you may also qualify for:
- Pneumococcal vaccine (65+)
- RSV vaccine (pregnancy, ages 75–79)
Who Is Most at Risk During UK Winter?
- Nigerians aged 65+
- Babies and children under 5
- People with long-term conditions (BP, diabetes, asthma)
- Pregnant women
- Low-income households
- Anyone living in poorly heated accommodation
- People struggling with mental health
If you fall into any of these groups — winter care is EXTRA important.
What to Do If You Feel Unwell
Don’t wait — cold-weather illnesses get worse fast.
Use these services:
- Pharmacy: first stop for minor illnesses
- GP or GP online consultations
- NHS 111: 111.nhs.uk or call 111
In an emergency: call 999 or go to A&E.
Heating, Bills & Safety
Keeping warm helps prevent:
- High BP
- Strokes
- Pneumonia
- Depression
- Heart attacks
Tips:
- Heat main rooms to 18°C+
- Get your boiler & cooker checked by a Gas Safe engineer
- Apply for grants & support for heating bills
👉 GOV.UK energy saving advice
👉 Helpline: 0800 444 202
Look Out for Others
Winter hits our community hard. Do your part:
- Check on elderly aunties/uncles
- Make sure people have food at home
- Help them get medicines before holidays
- Encourage warm clothing and proper footwear
- If you’re worried about someone:
- Age UK: 0800 678 1602
- Local council helplines
If you suspect hypothermia, call 111 immediately.
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