THE UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging vulnerable groups in the West Midlands to take up the flu vaccine as data shows last year’s programme prevented around 25,000 hospitalisations in England.
Pregnant women, young children and those with certain chronic medical conditions, such as coronary heart disease, cerebral palsy, liver or spleen disorders or long-term lung conditions, are particularly vulnerable to flu.
Uptake in these vulnerable groups in the West Midlands was low last year, with 1 in 5 aged 65 years or over remaining unprotected from flu, and less than half of under 65-year-olds in at-risk groups getting their vaccine.
Dr James Chipwete, health protection consultant leading on respiratory infections for UKHSA West Midlands, said: “The annual winter vaccine programme is underway, and we are urging everyone in the West Midlands who is eligible, to take up the offer of their free flu vaccine, to protect them from what can be a life-threatening infection.
“Last year, some of the region’s most vulnerable people remained at risk of severe illness and hospitalisation – with 10,000 children hospitalised across the country due to complications from catching flu.
“Vaccines are our best defence against many potentially life-altering or life-threatening infections.
In addition to flu, cases of COVID-19 are expected to rise this winter, increasing the risk to vulnerable groups.
Professor Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Adviser at UKHSA, said: “Last year, the flu virus was estimated to be responsible for over 14,000 excess deaths and tens of thousands of hospitalisations, including over 10,000 in children.
“Taking up both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines ahead of winter provides the best level of protection against severe illness and will help ease the pressure on the NHS this winter.”
All eligible adults are urged to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines online via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t get online, to give themselves the best protection against severe illness and hospitalisation.
