Fewer people came forward for their flu vaccine last year, and health officials are warning that the UK could face a difficult winter if uptake doesn’t improve. The NHS flu vaccine is available to those most at risk of serious illness, and you can find more information about eligibility and how to book your appointment on the NHS website.
The NHS offers free flu vaccines every winter to those most at risk of serious illness from influenza. However, last year saw a worrying dip in vaccination rates among key groups. While uptake remained strong among older people, only one in three pregnant women received the flu vaccine. Among those with long-term health conditions, just 40% were vaccinated, compared to 50% the year before. Vaccination rates for two and three-year-olds also saw a slight decline, with just over four in every 10 being vaccinated.
The concerns about flu coincide with NHS England’s warnings of a possible “tripledemic” this winter—a combination of flu, Covid, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While these viruses can circulate all year round, flu is particularly prevalent during the colder months, and the coming winter could be challenging for the UK if vaccination rates don’t improve.
How Bad Could This Winter Be?
Health experts often look to the southern hemisphere to predict what might happen during the northern hemisphere’s flu season. Australia’s winter flu season, which is now ending, appears similar to recent years. However, other regions such as Southern Africa, Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay have experienced high levels of flu this year, leading to some concerns about what the UK might face in the coming months.
Flu can be a severe illness, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions. Some years are worse than others. In the 2017-18 flu season, for example, there were 22,500 excess deaths related to flu.
Who is Eligible for the Free Flu Vaccine?
The NHS offers the flu vaccine to a range of people considered at higher risk, including:
- Those aged 65 or older
- People with long-term health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Care home residents
- Primary carers for the elderly or disabled
- Those living with someone who has a weakened immune system
Most eligible adults will be able to receive the flu vaccine from 3rd October, and invitations have already been sent to some. Children, meanwhile, are offered the flu vaccine in the form of a nasal spray.
It’s worth noting that the flu vaccine is regularly updated to ensure it’s as effective as possible against the constantly evolving influenza virus. This year, people can have their flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines, such as those for Covid and shingles. While the RSV vaccine is not typically given alongside the flu vaccine, it can be administered at the same time if a healthcare professional recommends it.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA’s deputy director of immunisation, emphasised the importance of vaccination, saying: “As winter approaches, we see many dangerous viruses circulating, including flu, which can tragically kill thousands each year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.”
Don’t Delay: Book Your Vaccine
For those eligible for the autumn Covid booster, including people aged 65 and over, care home residents, and front-line health and social care workers, now is the time to act. The flu vaccine, alongside other protective measures, could be crucial in preventing a difficult winter for the UK.
For more updates on flu vaccinations and winter health advice, visit EyeOnLondon.
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