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- The latest data shows that covid and flu rates and hospitalizations continue to rise
- The vaccines still offer the best protection against both viruses, with more than 19 million flu jabs and 17 million Covid jabs this season, meaning almost 9 in 10 care home residents have had their booster.
All those eligible for their free winter vaccines are urged to come forward as soon as possible for their free jabs over the Christmas holiday, as hospitalizations for flu and Covid continue to rise.
It is very important that all people in risk groups – including those who are pregnant, young children eligible for free flu vaccine, the immunocompromised and the over 50s – come forward, if not already vaccinated, if they need to. To protect it. winters and boosts their immunity.
Relatives, friends and neighbors of those in risk groups are being urged to remind those eligible to come forward for their vaccine to give the gift of the jab this Christmas holiday.
The latest data, published yesterday (Thursday 22 December) by NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), shows 8.27 per 100,000 people in hospital for flu and 9.56 per 100,000 for Covid, up from 1.47 and 2.95 last week. .
It is also important that frontline health and social care workers continue to put themselves forward not only to provide the protection they need, but to provide additional protection for those they care for.
Covid restrictions kept the flu at bay in previous seasons, but the end of this and the drop in temperatures in recent weeks have led to an increase in socializing indoors, leading to an increase in both viruses.
The best form of protection continues to be vaccination, and with sites open over the festive season, it’s the perfect opportunity to remind even those who are eligible to get the jab they need.
Appointments for covid boosters can now be booked through the NHS app or on the NHS booking system. People can also come to one of the many walk-in centers around the country and it’s a great way for family, friends and neighbors to take advantage of the holiday walk and donate to eligible people.
Those eligible for the flu jab will have been contacted by their GP.
Steve Barclay, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:
It’s wonderful to see the millions of people who have already been blinkered by hard-working NHS staff and volunteers, giving them the protection they need throughout the winter and beyond.
As we head into the festive season, we can all get into the Christmas spirit and make sure our vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbors are boosting their immune systems to ward off serious illness.
I know how quick and easy it is when I get jabs, and I want to encourage all eligible people to come forward this Christmas.
National Director for Immunization and Screening, Steve Russell, said:
Christmas has been uncertain over the past few years and so this year especially, everyone wants to enjoy the festivities with loved ones – the best protection you can give yourself against Covid-19 and flu remains vaccination.
As winter gets underway, the latest data shows that many more people are in hospital with the flu now than last year, especially among under-fives, so if you haven’t already, come forward and get your vaccine.
Dr Jenny Harris, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:
Getting a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster is the best way to avoid becoming seriously ill this winter and will help protect our vital NHS services, which are under severe pressure from COVID-19, flu and Strep A in particular.
We are seeing more people over the age of 75 and children under the age of 5 being hospitalized for the flu so no one should delay coming forward. The flu vaccine for most children is a quick and easy nasal spray available from their GP surgery.
I would encourage everyone to put the flu vaccine and covid booster on their Christmas to do list in 2023 to help keep services and themselves running healthy.
The latest data shows that 19.1 million flu jabs have been given and more than 17 million autumn Covid booster jabs have been given as of Wednesday 21st December.
Vaccination teams from NHS England have visited every care home in the UK – more than 15,000 homes in total – meaning around 9 out of 10 care home residents have had the necessary jabs to protect them over the coming months.
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