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Health officials are warning of a decline in flu vaccinations after data showed 18,000 flu-related deaths in the past two years.
Eligible people are being urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves from winter viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which hospitalizes tens of thousands of children each year.
Britain’s Health and Safety Executive warned that one in four people in clinical risk groups, or 41.4%, were vaccinated last winter, compared with 49.1% the year before.
Around 32.1% of pregnant women had also taken the jab, down from 35%, while uptake among two- and three-year-olds was around 44%, down from 42.3% and 45.1% respectively.
Although the intake rate among elderly people remains high, it still decreased compared to the previous year, dropping from 79.9% to 77.8% among those aged 65 and over.
As part of its vaccination drive, pharmacy giant Boots has announced it will be offering free jabs to eligible people in its stores.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA’s Deputy Director of Immunization, said: ‘As winter approaches, many dangerous viruses, including influenza, which can tragically claim the lives of thousands of people each year, become more prevalent. “We’re seeing it prevalent in our communities.”
“Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is your best protection.
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions, you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young children who get the flu are also much more likely to be hospitalized. .”
Millions of people will be invited to book their flu vaccination and COVID-19 booster therapy from September 23rd, with bookings opening from October 3rd.
Those eligible include people aged 65 and over, people in clinical risk groups, patients in long-stay housing and frontline social care workers.
People in clinical risk groups, including over-65s, care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers and pregnant women, are being offered coronavirus boosters.
A new vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was also introduced for the first time in the UK last month, with pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 being urged to book an appointment.
Steve Russell, National Director of Immunization and Screening at NHS England, added: “Today’s data showing almost 20,000 influenza-related deaths over the past two winters is a shocking reminder that this is a seriously dangerous virus, and it is highly contagious. “I would strongly encourage people to be eligible to book their vaccine appointment as soon as possible as it is the best way to protect vulnerable people as winter approaches.” ”
don’t take risks
A mother has warned people not to take the risk of vaccinating their children after her daughter was hospitalized with the virus.
Four-year-old Safi Shayak was hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (Mariam Shayak/PA Wire)
Mariam Sheikh, from Manchester, who took her daughter Safi to the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said: “I was seriously worried I might lose her.” “Honestly, I thought she might die from this.
“I was so distraught seeing her having trouble breathing every day. I was worried about her breathing and getting oxygen to her brain. She was the same girl she was before she got sick. Is that so?”
“Don’t take any risks, just go get it,” she said of the vaccine.
“No parent wants to see their child suffer as much as Safi did,” Musiak added.
To address issues around jab uptake, UKHSA has launched a new campaign with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the NHS.
“Get Winter Strong” will be broadcast on TV, radio and social media channels for 10 weeks to encourage eligible people to get vaccinated.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus as soon as possible. Viruses that can cause serious harm It’s definitely the best way to protect yourself.”
