UKHSA SOUTH WEST PRESS RELEASE: UKHSA urges more people in the South West to protect themselves against flu before Christmas as new data shows many eligible still missing out on vaccine

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is calling on South West residents to come forward for flu vaccinations as latest figures show that many eligible people are still to take up the vaccine.

With almost three weeks until Christmas, time is running out to get the vaccine ahead of the festive season for those celebrating.

People have until the end of 19 December to book COVID and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service.

It will still be possible to book vaccinations after 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer COVID appointments, and you may need to travel further.

UKHSA data published last week on the school immunisation programme for September to October 2024, shows that almost 155,000 school children in the South West have boosted their protection against flu by taking up the vaccine, which for most children is given as a nasal spray vaccine.

During November many more children will have been vaccinated as the immunisation teams move from school to school between September to December for all children from reception to year 11. Some schools will still have sessions scheduled in the coming weeks and its important parents return their consent forms in time.

If your child has missed out on getting their flu vaccine at school, there will be further opportunities at local NHS community clinics. The school or local school immunisation team should be able to provide further details.

For children in a clinical risk group who have missed out, it is possible to make an appointment for the vaccine at your GP surgery. Younger children, aged 2 years (before 1 September this year) and all 3 year olds, are also able to receive a flu vaccine from their GP surgery.

When children take up the vaccination, it not only helps protect them but also importantly helps stop them spreading flu to others at greater risk, such as grandparents or baby brothers and sisters.

The latest weekly flu surveillance report also published last week shows flu numbers have increased nationally in the past week with the rates highest among children aged 5-14 years.

Pregnant women are also eligible for a flu vaccine, to protect them and their baby during pregnancy. Expectant mums make an immune response to the vaccine and pass on antibodies to their baby in the womb - protecting their newborn from birth for the first few months of their life. Latest figures show uptake among pregnant women in the South West this winter is currently at 31.7% and we strongly urge more pregnant women to take up the offer.

While flu vaccine uptake among older people aged 65 and over is always much higher than for other groups (64.7% in the South West so far this year), there is real concern that many of those at greatest risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, people with long term health conditions and/or who are immunosuppressed, have not taken up the offer of a free vaccine – with just 32.3% of people in these groups vaccinated in the South West.

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West said:

“No one wants to see anyone in their family get sick over the festive season, especially children. If you are eligible for a flu vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill.

“All those over 65, adults and children over six months with certain health conditions and pregnant women should get protected every year. It takes around two weeks to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so book an appointment now.

“Flu usually increases at higher levels over December and already cases are rising sharply. Don’t let flu ruin your Christmas.”

Dr Kheelna Bavalia, South West Medical Director, added: ‘’If you've not yet come forward for your flu vaccination, I would urge you to book your jab as soon as possible. 

''Getting the flu has the potential to become very serious and leaves many people in hospital each year. With Christmas just over three weeks away, it’s important to get vaccinated now to ensure you’re protecting yourself and those around you over the festive period.

''Those eligible now have until 19 December to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments via the NHS online booking system, NHS App or by calling 119, so please don't delay.''

Dr Andrew Whittamore, Clinical Lead at Asthma + Lung UK, said: 

“Winter can be frightening for people who struggle to breathe. Three in four people with lung conditions find that seasonal bugs, like colds and flu, make their breathing worse. The best way to boost your protection against all winter viruses is to have your winter vaccines if you are eligible, this includes the flu vaccine and COVID-19 boosters.  

“Winter bugs can be serious for people with lung conditions, like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These illnesses can increase the chance of you having an asthma attack, a flare-up of your lung condition or a chest infection. 

“If you have a lung condition, your risk of ending up in A&E doubles in winter. Too many people will end up ill and in hospital this winter and could even die from complications of these illnesses. Vaccinations save lives, by reducing the spread of infection and helping your body fight the illness, so you are less ill and less likely to need emergency treatment. Getting your vaccine may also help to protect others. It can prevent the spread of flu and COVID-19 to friends, family and anyone you come into contact with, including those at high risk from infection.” 

Latest figures show that up to the end of October, 20.5% of healthcare workers in the South West had received a flu vaccine.

For further information on winter vaccinations and winter health, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/