More people have died from flu and pneumonia than from Covid-19 since the start of autumn, official statistics show, but flu shots still lag behind Covid boosters.
The government has been urged to repeat its efforts to build an “army of encouragement” to encourage more people to get the flu shot amid the coverage gap.
Ministers and the National Health Service have urged people over 50 and vulnerable young people to take advantage of the Covid-19 booster vaccine offer, designed to protect against the Omicron strain, as well as this season’s flu shot. Digital advertising campaigns will continue into the new year, as well as targeted messages aimed at pregnant women, ethnic minorities and the chronically ill.
More than two-thirds of eligible people over 50 in England have received a fall booster since it launched earlier this year, according to the NHS.
But acceptance of the flu vaccine among adults invited for a free shot is only about 54 percent, with most healthy people ages 50 to 64 shunning the offer.
Data from the Office for National Statistics show that the flu and pneumonia were more deadly than the coronavirus, with 5,262 deaths in England and Wales between early September and early December, compared to 3,899 from Covid.
And last week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned that more people are now hospitalized for the flu than for the coronavirus, another warning of the disease’s dangers.
So said Wes Streeting, Labor’s shadow health minister. I that ministers should do more to encourage the use of the flu shot. He said: “The UK has been the best at helping us through the pandemic. The government should capitalize on this volunteer spirit and call on the army of Jabs volunteers to return this winter and protect those who are vulnerable to the flu.
“Labor will train 5,000 new healthcare workers, paid by the elimination of Non-Dom tax status, to ensure every child has a healthy start in life. I encourage everyone who meets the requirements to get vaccinated before Christmas.”
The health source pointed out that among those over 65 years of age, the incidence is more than 77 percent, and suggested that the most effective way to reduce influenza deaths is to focus on mitigation rather than vaccination.
Flu has been unusually rare over the past two winters as lockdowns and voluntary social distancing put in place to reduce Covid infections have had the side effect of limiting flu circulation. The Department of Health has been preparing for a strong flu season for a long time due to lower levels of natural immunity and high infection rates during the southern hemisphere winter.
Mary Ramsay of the UKHSA said: ‘With winter approaching, we are now seeing influenza widespread, with flu hospitalizations skyrocketing over the past week, especially among people over 5 and over 85.
“The NHS line has already shipped millions of vaccines to those most at risk of the potentially deadly virus, including more than 77% of people aged 65 and over, exceeding the World Health Organization’s target. The flu shot offers the best protection against serious illness, and it’s not too late for everyone who qualifies, especially those in their 50s and under five, to get vaccinated to give themselves the best possible protection this winter.”
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.