Wiltshire residents eligible for flu vaccine urged to get jab this winter
Public Health England say that record numbers of people will be offered it.
Last updated 23rd Sep 2020
Anyone in Wiltshire who is eligible for the flu vaccine is being encouraged to get the jab this year as new research reveals that those infected with the illness and Covid-19 are twice as likely to die.
Their free vaccine programme is being expanded this year to help ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.
The health service are aiming to provide 30 million people with the jab, the highest number on record.
Eligible groups include:
- People aged 65 or over
- In a 'at risk' group
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 and 3
- All primary school aged children
- Pupils in year 7
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Main carers of an older or disabled person
- Household contacts of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List
The most vulnerable, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy.
To help increase uptake in the social care sector, for the first-time pharmacists will be able to vaccinate both residents and care home staff at the same time.
HOPEFUL FOR BIGGER UPTAKE
In 2019, 75.3% of over 65s in Wiltshire had the jab but only 38.3% of pregnant woman did.
Overall nearly two thirds of eligible people received their free vaccine last year in the UK.
It's hoped that all the eligible groups will see at least a 75% uptake and 100% for health workers.
Dr Julie Yates, Lead Consultant for Screening and Immunisation at Public Health England South West said:
"People might think that flu is just a cough or cold, but actually this serious illness can have devastating effects on people including causing death in some cases.
COVID-19 is still circulating, and we expect co-circulation with flu this season. This winter, more than ever, it is important to minimise the number of people becoming unwell with flu and for people to have the flu vaccination if offered.
More people than ever are eligible for the flu vaccination this year and I would encourage anyone invited to attend their appointment."
On average, flu kills 11,000 people every year and anyone at high risk are also at most risk from Covid-19.
For details on symptoms and what to do if you think you may have it, visit the NHS website.