New research revealed today shows a significant lack of awareness about who is eligible for winter vaccinations on the NHS.
Almost a third (32%) of people with underlying health conditions such as respiratory disease, diabetes and morbid obesity (BMI of 40 and above) don’t know they are eligible.
To help address this information gap, the Stay on Track campaign, developed and funded by Moderna in partnership with Obesity UK, launches today.
The campaign is aimed at people living with obesity who are at increased risk of severe outcomes from respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and flu.
Recognising that staying healthy requires more than just one action, the campaign features five top tips to help avoid winter illnesses: stay healthy and active, maintain good sleep hygiene, keep warm, practice hand hygiene, and check your eligibility for winter vaccinations.
“Research shows that people with a BMI of 40 and above (who are classed as morbidly obese) are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and flu than those who are a healthy weight, which is why people in this group are eligible to receive both vaccines on the NHS,” said Dr Jahangir Alom BEM, Emergency Medicine Physician in North East London.
“People with obesity are also typically less likely to get vaccines, demonstrating the need for targeted outreach ahead of the winter when cases of flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses increase every year.”
The research also found 55% of people living with obesity are worried about getting COVID-19 or flu in the coming months, yet 40% are either unsure or unaware about what vaccinations they are eligible for. The poll of 3,000 adults, commissioned by Moderna UK and conducted via OnePoll, found fewer than a quarter (24%) knew people living with obesity are eligible for winter vaccinations. In contrast, almost two thirds (64%) knew that older adults (aged 65 years and over) are eligible.
“Despite making up approximately 4% of the UK population – 2.7 million people – one group that often gets overlooked is people who are living with a BMI over 40,” said Professor Paul Gately, CEO of Obesity UK. “This new data highlights a critical gap in awareness, both among the general public and those affected by obesity, regarding the available vaccines this winter and their eligibility.”
The campaign website, StayOnTrackThisAutumn.co.uk, provides further information about preventative measures, and enables people to find out their BMI and check if they are eligible for a COVID-19 and/or flu vaccine on the NHS this winter.
“Alongside essentials like eating well, staying active, and getting enough rest, checking if you’re eligible for respiratory vaccines should be a top priority in preparation for the coming winter months.” said Dr Philip Cruz, Country Medical Director at Moderna UK.