Flu is expected to start earlier this winter and affect more people than normal, experts have predicted. Public Health Wales (PHW) has warned that they are anticipating a significant flu season for the first time since the pandemic and have described it a "major public health issue".
The NHS trust is now urging anyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccine to take up the offer to protect themselves and others from serious illness. In addition the Covid-19 autumn booster programme is now live and everyone over 50 years old and those at risk of severe disease are among those being offered a jab to reduce their chances of getting deeply unwell.
PHW said cases of flu are already being detected in Wales. Scientists say that the flu season could be as severe as the 2017-18 flu outbreak where 16,500 thousand people in Wales were diagnosed by their GP and 2,500 people were hospitalised. There was also a high level of seasonal excess deaths that year – the worst for around 20 years.
Read more: The seven biggest problems the Welsh NHS will face this winter according to a doctor
Since March 2020 the Covid-19 lockdowns and international travel restrictions have disrupted the amount of respiratory viruses in circulation but as our lives are going back to normal viruses are returning in higher numbers. This year Australia experienced a flu season which was earlier than usual and saw the highest case levels in five years. It is possible that Wales and the rest of the UK will experience similar flu activity.
With Covid-19 also in circulation and the NHS facing added winter pressures PHW claim it is more important than ever that those who are eligible for a free flu or Covid-19 vaccine get vaccinated to help prevent them becoming seriously unwell and protect the NHS this winter. Dr Christopher Johnson, consultant epidemiologist and interim head of PHW's vaccine-preventable disease programme, said: "Flu can be serious, particularly for those who are older or have a health condition and are more vulnerable to complications as a result of the flu. It is well known that having a flu vaccine every year is one of the most effective ways to protect against flu.
"Likewise the Covid-19 autumn booster vaccination extends the protection against serious illness. Any side effects from the vaccinations are normally mild and don’t last long. The chances of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 or flu are greatly reduced by vaccination, as are the risks of spreading these viruses. Vaccination really is the best way to protect ourselves and others this winter from serious illness."
Vaccination is particularly important for those who are older, pregnant, or have a health condition and are more vulnerable to complications as a result of the infections. It is also very important that frontline healthcare workers and those who work in care homes or providing care in people's own homes get their vaccines to help reduce spread. Wales' health minister Eluned Morgan said: "We are encouraging everyone to get both their jabs this winter, when flu and Covid will be at their peak, to protect themselves, those around them, and the NHS during what will be a busy time for healthcare in Wales."
Who is eligible for a free flu jab and Covid vaccine?
Flu vaccine |
Covid-19 vaccine |
|
Pregnant women |
Yes | Yes |
People aged 50 or over |
Yes | Yes |
People with a long-term health condition that increases the risk |
From six months old |
From five years old |
People who live in a care home |
Yes |
Yes |
People with a learning disability |
Yes | Yes |
People with severe mental illness |
Yes | Yes |
People who live with someone who has a weakened immune system |
From six months old |
From five years old |
Carers aged 16 and over |
Yes |
Yes |
Frontline health and social care workers |
Yes | Yes |
All staff working in care homes for older adults |
Yes | Yes |
*The yearly flu vaccine is recommended for all children from the age of two (age on August 31, 2022) up to and including school year 11
To promote the vaccinations PHW has launched a campaign encouraging those eligible to 'power up' their protection against serious illness this winter by getting the flu and Covid-19 vaccines. For more information about how to get the vaccines please go here.
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