A new country-wide marketing campaign urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and Covid booster vaccines to top up their immunity will launch on Monday, as almost 10 million people in England have already received their boosters (October 24).
The UK Health Security Agency said that more than 10 million people are expected to have received their Covid autumn booster in England by Monday, with 49.5% of those 65 and over getting their flu jab, helping protect against serious illness throughout the winter. Latest Covid data has shown continued high rates of cases and hospitalisations in recent weeks.
Cases of flu have climbed quickly in the past week, indicating the season has started earlier than normal. This is leading to increased pressure on emergency departments with rates of hospitalisations and ICU admissions rising the fastest in children under 5.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Health and Social Care Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “Our Covid autumn booster and flu vaccination programmes are in full swing. Vaccines are our best line of defence against both viruses and will help keep people out of hospital this winter.
“While we have made great progress with almost 10 million people already boosted, including me, we are actively encouraging, through our new marketing campaign, everybody eligible to come forward for both jabs as soon as possible.”
Vaccination for flu is currently behind last season for pre-schoolers (12.1% in all two year olds, 12.8% in all three year olds), pregnant women (12.4%) and under 65 in a clinical risk group (18.2%).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Thomas Waite said: “The restrictions we had in place to curb the spread of Covid and protect the NHS last year also prevented the flu virus from spreading as we would normally expect to see, so levels of immunity in the population are likely quite low.
“Flu has started circulating at low levels mainly in children and younger people at the moment. As winter approaches, we can expect flu and COVID cases to rise in all age groups. Getting vaccinated against both viruses is the most important thing you can do to reduce your chances of getting seriously ill. If eligible please come forward for your jabs as soon as you can – it is important to be protected before any winter surges begin.”
Professor Dominic Mellon, UKHSA South West Regional Deputy Director, added: "Both flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, and this winter they will be circulating together. This along with lower levels of natural immunity will mean that it’s particularly vital to get vaccinated, especially if you’re in a higher risk group. We are seeing cases of flu climb quickly, indicating that the season has begun earlier than normal.
“Undoubtedly the best protection we have is to get vaccinated. The jabs are there to protect you and the rest of your family from a potentially very serious illness this winter and so I urge all those eligible in the South West to come forward and have their jabs when offered."
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisations at UK Health Security Agency, said: “The latest data follows the pattern we predicted, and a difficult winter is expected.
“This year we want people to think about COVID-19 and flu as equally important – and both vaccines will provide a ‘boost’ this winter. COVID-19 vaccine protection decreases over time and topping-up immunity will help to provide better protection against new variants.
“So far, we have seen millions of people getting their vaccines, particularly older age groups who remain at risk of severe illness and deaths from both diseases. Having both vaccines will help to protect you and to protect the health service so we can continue to treat patients with other conditions.
“I urge everyone who is eligible to book your vaccine as soon as you can and not to delay – you could be in contact with flu or COVID-19 tomorrow.”
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