UKHSA North West is urging those most at risk of flu to get their free vaccination, after data shows the majority of those with a long-term condition have still not taken up the offer of the free vaccine.
The latest flu vaccine uptake data shows that 69% of people aged 65 and over have been vaccinated and 22% of pregnant women have been vaccinated. Rates are comparable to those in previous years for this point in the season.
However, health professionals are particularly concerned about low uptake in people with long-term health conditions at 31.6%, who are more vulnerable to serious illness from flu.
Heading into winter, the flu vaccine continues to offer the best protection against what can be a very severe illness for the more vulnerable, including pregnant women and those aged 2 and 3 years who are all eligible for a free NHS vaccine. You can book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and check your eligibility online.
Dr Merav Kliner
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said: “Flu can be serious and even deadly for older adults, very young children, and people with underlying health conditions. The vaccine is the best defence we have against what can be a serious illness. If you’re in an eligible group – make sure you get vaccinated.
“It’s essential you protect yourself by booking your jab. If you are eligible, please come forward as soon as possible to take up the offer and make sure you have the best protection and ‘get winter strong’.
“We also remind people that if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, you should avoid mixing with others where possible to stop the spread of viruses like flu.”
Tricia Spedding, Deputy Head of Public Health, NHS England – North West, said: “We’re really pleased to see more pregnant women and people aged 65+ coming forward during what has been the fastest NHS flu vaccine rollout on record.
“However, this data also shows that some of our most vulnerable people – those with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart failure, as well as people with a learning disability- are yet to have their vaccine this year, which is extremely worrying as these groups are more likely than others to develop more severe illness and to be hospitalised if they catch flu.
“People may not be aware they are eligible or may think they don’t need the flu vaccine because they had it last year, but immunity fades over time and the flu virus changes each year, so it’s vital that people top up their protection. If people are unsure if they’re eligible, they can speak to a pharmacist, GP or their specialist for advice.”
The flu vaccination is the best form of protection we have. If they haven’t already had the flu nasal spray, it is important that children who are in the clinical risk groups of flu visit their GP as soon as possible to be vaccinated. Primary school children should take up the opportunity to be vaccinated via the school vaccination programme, and toddlers aged two and three should visit their GP surgery as normal to receive this.
For most children, the flu vaccine is not an injection, just a quick nasal spray. Flu can be horrible for little children so it is important to protect them from becoming unwell. Children are also ‘super-spreaders’ of flu and vaccinating them can protect more vulnerable members of the community.
Dr Kliner continues: “If you think you have flu, stay home and rest until you feel better. Call NHS 111 if you have an underlying health condition or feel really unwell. Aside from having your flu vaccine, the best way to prevent the spread of flu is to practice good hand hygiene. Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throw the tissue away and wash your hands.”
