As the winter period rolls in, members of the public are being urged to get the flu vaccine to help protect against serious illness.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging anyone that is eligible for the free vaccine to take up the offer as soon as possible ahead of 'what could be a difficult winter with respiratory viruses circulating widely'. According to the NHS, it is important to get the flu vaccine because the virus can be life-threatening to some people while more people are likely to get the flu over the coming months.
Experts are particularly concerned about the spread of the flu virus this winter, as fewer people have built up the necessary immunity to the disease after a few winters of socialising less due to the pandemic.
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Furthermore, if you contract Covid-19 at the same time, research suggests that you could end up becoming more seriously ill. That's why the NHS is offering a free flu vaccine alongside the Covid vaccine.
In the year 2017/2018, 22,000 people died of influenza in England, which represented the highest death toll in recent years. Nearly 2,000 of those who died of the disease were aged 60 and over.
Many people will be able to get the flu fab free on the NHS this year. Here's what you need to know.
Who is eligible for the free vaccine?
According to the NHS, the flu vaccine is being offered for free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- are frontline health workers
- are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work
Serious long-term health conditions that make you eligible for the free jab include:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you've had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
From mid-October, everyone over the age of 50 will also be eligible for the free jab.
Where can you get the vaccine?
The NHS flu vaccine can be given at:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service – if you're aged 18 or over. You can find a pharmacy that offers the vaccine on the NHS website here.
- some maternity services if you're pregnant
You might also be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.
GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu vaccine in batches throughout the flu season. If you cannot get an appointment straight away, ask if you can book one for when more vaccines are available.
When should you get the vaccine?
According to the NHS, the best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.
Why are people being urged to get the flu vaccine and the Covid vaccine?
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, said:" Flu and COVID-19 are unpredictable but there are strong indications we could be facing the threat of widely circulating flu, lower levels of natural immunity due to less exposure over the last three winters and an increase in COVID-19 circulating with lots of variants that can evade the immune response. This combination poses a serious risk to our health, particularly those in high-risk groups.
"The H3N2 flu strain can cause particularly severe illness. If you are elderly or vulnerable because of other conditions you are at greater risk, so getting the flu jab is a sensible, potentially life-saving thing to do. We are extremely fortunate to have vaccines against these two diseases Most eligible groups have been selected because they are at higher risk of severe illness.
"Younger children are unlikely to have built up any natural immunity to flu and therefore it is particularly important they take the nasal spray vaccine this year. So, if you are offered a jab, please come forward to protect yourself and help reduce the burden on our health services."
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Thomas Waite said: "Vaccines have saved many lives over the years for both flu and more recently COVID-19. But we must not be complacent – infections will rise once again this winter, so it’s really important people get both their COVID-19 and flu vaccines if eligible. Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and will help reduce pressure on the healthcare system."
NHS director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: "This winter could be the first time we see the effects of the so called ‘twindemic’ with both COVID-19 and flu in full circulation, so it is vital that those most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses come forward for vaccines in order to protect themselves and those around them.
"If you have been offered a flu vaccination or COVID-19 booster you should book in as soon as possible and with more vaccination centres than ever before this year, they are quick, convenient and will provide vital protection this winter."
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