The NHS has commenced its vaccination programme for millions of people against flu and Covid-19 as concerns about a potential ‘tripledemic’ loom. Appointments opened last week for eligible individuals, such as older people, care home residents, and those with underlying health conditions, with vaccinations scheduled to commence from Thursday, October 3. A staggering 11 million people have been extended invitations to receive the necessary protection, as disclosed by NHS England.
Reports have highlighted a decline in the flu vaccine uptake, with at least 18,000 deaths attributed to the illness in the past two years. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), there was a decrease in the number of individuals receiving the flu vaccine across all eligible groups in England last year. Notably, only 41.4% of people in clinical risk groups were vaccinated last winter compared to 49.1% in the previous year. In the same period, the percentage of pregnant women vaccinated dropped to 32.1% from 35%, and the uptake among two and three-year-olds was approximately 44%.
Steve Russell, the national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, stressed the importance of vaccination in light of the significant number of deaths linked to Covid and flu. He urged eligible individuals to seize the opportunity to get vaccinated, emphasizing the availability of appointments through GP practices, pharmacies, and other NHS facilities.
Children and pregnant women began receiving their flu vaccinations from September 1, with health teams in certain London areas visiting schools and setting up themed vaccine clinics. Additionally, a new vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been introduced in the UK for the first time, targeting pregnant women and adults aged 75-79.
Julie Yates, the deputy director of immunisation programmes at the UKHSA, emphasised the necessity for individuals at higher risk of severe illness from winter viruses to get vaccinated promptly. She highlighted the critical role of vaccines in preventing hospitalizations and fatalities, urging those who are eligible to not delay in receiving their shots.
As the threat of a ‘tripledemic’ looms with the convergence of Covid, flu, and RSV, health experts underscored the importance of vaccination for pregnant individuals and those aged 75-79 to bolster protection against these potentially severe illnesses. Eligible individuals were advised to consult with their GP surgery or local pharmacist if they had any queries or concerns regarding vaccination eligibility or the vaccines offered.
The ongoing vaccination drive underscores the proactive approach of healthcare authorities in mitigating the risks associated with winter viruses amidst the evolving healthcare landscape.