UKHSA warns of 'twindemic' and urges people across Bucks, Beds and Herts to get Covid-19 and flu jabs
It's part of their campaign to boost community immunity ahead of the winter months.
Last updated 26th Oct 2022
The UK Health Security Agency are urging those eligible across Bucks, Beds and Herts to get vaccinated again Covid-19 and flu.
It comes as part of their campaign to make sure those who are vulnerable top up their immunity against these diseases- as winter approaches.
There are warnings of a 'twindemic', where serious cases of flu and Covid-19 combine to overwhelm the NHS
Why is this all being done?
In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, scientist have expressed concern over the growing potential of the flu and coronavirus seasons occurring alongside one another.
Sarah Weir is from the Eastern team of the UK Health Secretary.
She told us that jabs from previous years will not have the same profound effect due to mutations in the various flu genes.
**“Thousands of people die from flu every year”**
“Flu changes every year… its good practice to get a flu vaccine every year so that you make sure you have yourself the best protection and those around you the best protection going into the winter”.
According to Ms. Weir “thousands of people die from flu every year”. Statistics like this have ignited the new initiative to get the public vaccinated.
**"We can expect flu and COVID cases to rise in all age groups"**
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"