Winter Health and vaccines

Dr Oge Ilozue is a London GP and Clinical Advisor for the NHS Vaccination Programme in the London region

"While pandemic restrictions and social behaviours saw flu levels fall dramatically for a few years, the latest mortality figures are a stark reminder that flu is a deadly virus, particularly for older people.

Public Health data shows that over the past two winters at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, and in the same two-year winter period the estimated number of deaths associated with COVID-19 was just over 19,500.

Of real concern is the drop in the flu vaccine uptake rates last winter across all eligibility groups in England compared with the previous year. Yet there was a significant impact for those who did take up last year’s flu vaccine - with a 30% reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised.

As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which tragically can kill thousands of people every year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.

I have seen first-hand the effect of not being vaccinated, with families losing loved ones or spending weeks visiting them in hospital as they are seriously ill. So, it makes sense to prevent illness in the first place.

Flu and COVID-19 jab appointments are now available to book via the NHS website nhs.uk/wintervaccinations, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free – making it as easy as possible for you to get vaccinated.

These vaccines have been rigorously tested, are constantly monitored and we know that the benefits of having the vaccinations far outweigh any risk. But, if you do have questions or concerns, I encourage you to speak to a trusted healthcare professional. This can be their GP, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife, all of whom can provide evidence-based information.

Every year the World Health Organisation recommends which strains should be included in the flu vaccine, with the UKHSA contributing to this work. Vaccines are then developed to help fight off the types of flu viruses expected to be circulating in the coming season. As the viruses can change every year, and protection from the vaccine reduces over time, it is important those eligible get a vaccine every year.

I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible. They are without doubt the best way to protect yourself from these viruses that can cause serious harm.”