The public is being encouraged to get vaccinated before the winter season as new figures reveal that flu has been linked to at least 18,000 deaths during the last two winters, spanning from October to May – and a mother’s terrifying story is being used to show the risks. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department for Health and Social Care, and NHS have banded together to initiate the ‘Get Winter Strong’ campaign.
They highlighted that while flu levels had “fall dramatically for a few years” due to pandemic restrictions and changes in social behaviour, the recent mortality data serves as “a stark reminder that flu is a deadly virus, particularly for older people and other groups at greatest risk”. A worrying trend noted was the decline in flu vaccine uptake rates last winter across all eligible groups in England compared to the year before.
At the launch of the campaign, it was pointed out that although vaccination rates among the elderly remained high last year, only about four in 10 (41%) individuals with long-term health conditions, slightly more than four in 10 (44%) toddlers aged two and three, and just one in three pregnant women got the flu jab. They also presented evidence indicating “the significant impact from last year’s flu vaccine with a 30% reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised and a 74% reduction in those between two and 17 years of age”.
In the face of a stark revelation that over 19,500 deaths were linked to COVID-19 in the past two winters, UK health authorities are ramping up efforts to combat seasonal viruses. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), alongside the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England, is poised to launch an intensified Get Winter Strong campaign on October 7.
This year’s campaign will not only encourage those at high risk to get their flu and COVID-19 jabs when called upon but will also, for the first time, advise pregnant women to receive vaccinations against RSV and whooping cough. The urgency of the campaign follows a surge in hospitalisations due to flu spikes last year, particularly around Christmas and late January, reports Surrey Live.
For the first time, pregnant women and older individuals between 75 and 79 years old will be offered an RSV vaccine, with the maternal shot offering robust protection to newborns during their most vulnerable months.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunisation at UKHSA, emphasised the importance of vaccinations: “As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which can tragically kill thousands of people every year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.”
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised.”
“So if you or your child are offered the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines, don’t delay in getting them. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any concerns.”
Mum says ‘don’t take the risk’.
Maryam Sheiakh, a Manchester-based mum, has vividly described the harrowing experience she went through when her then four year old daughter, Saffy, was hospitalised for over a week at Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital after catching the flu, presenting with symptoms such as a severe cough and high temperature. The situation escalated when she was moved to High Dependency Unit due to major breathing difficulties, requiring oxygen.
Maryam expressed her fears, saying: “I was seriously concerned we might lose Saffy. I honestly thought she might die from this. I was so distraught watching her struggling to breathe day after day, worried about her breathing difficulties and getting oxygen to the brain – would she be the same little girl before she got ill? “.
Thanks to the dedicated NHS staff, Saffy has since made a full recovery and is now a thriving six year old. Maryam, who works as a nursery teacher, strongly advises all parents to vaccinate their kids, stressing the need to proactively safeguard their health against the flu.
She advocates: “Just go and get it, don’t take the risk. No parent wants to watch their child suffer like we did with Saffy.”
Who can get the flu, COVID and RSV jabs and how to book.
Millions of eligible people in England are now able to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines through the NHS, with appointments available from October 3. Pregnant women and older adults looking to get their RSV jab should contact their maternity service or GP practice to arrange it, as the NHS is providing additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.
Eligible individuals can book their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free if they can’t access the internet.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended the following groups be eligible based on the latest scientific evidence:
- adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with long-term health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years will be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
- Pregnant women are also eligible for COVID-19 and flu vaccines
- The flu vaccine is also offered to 2-and-3 year olds and school children
As in previous years, the Government has decided that frontline health and social care staff will be offered the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the COVID-19 vaccine.
The RSV vaccine is recommended for:
- Pregnant women – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they’re born
- If you’re aged 75 to 79 years
- If you turned 80 on or after September 1, 2024, you’re eligible for the RSV vaccine until August 31, 2025
Those who have already turned 80 before September 1, 2024, are not eligible. The RSV programme is offered to those most at risk when they need it.
As we age our immune system does not work as well and that is why the RSV vaccine is not offered to those already 80 years of age or older.
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, commented with concern: “Today’s data showing there were almost 20,000 deaths associated to flu over the past two winters is a shocking reminder that this is a seriously dangerous virus and I urge those who are eligible to book their vaccine appointment as soon as they can as it is our best way of protecting those who are vulnerable as winter approaches.”
He further informed the public about the accessibility of vaccinations: “Thanks to the hard work of our NHS staff, life-saving flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are being rolled out across the country in places that are as convenient as possible for people who need them. Flu and COVID-19 jab appointments are now available to book via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free – making it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated.”
Adding his voice, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, urged: “I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations as soon as possible. They are without doubt the best way to protect yourself from these viruses that can cause serious harm.”
The process of developing vaccines is guided by recommendations from the World Health Organization, which every year, selects the strains to be included in the flu vaccine based on predictions of which types will be most prevalent. The UKHSA contributes to this vital effort.
As the flu viruses frequently mutate and vaccine-induced immunity diminishes over time, annual vaccination continues to be crucial for those at risk.
The Get Winter Strong campaign is set to run for 10 weeks and will be broadcast on TV, on-demand and community TV, radio channels, outdoor poster sites across England, and various social media platforms.