Title: England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Issues Warning Ahead of Challenging Winter for NHS
Subtitle: Vaccination Urged as Best Defense Against COVID-19 and Flu
By Laura Foster, Health and Science Reporter | 2 hours ago
Image source: Getty Images
COVID-19 continues to pose challenges and surprises as it does not display the typical seasonal behavior seen with other winter illnesses, according to England’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Thomas Waite. In light of this uncertainty, he emphasizes the importance of vaccination as the strongest form of defense against both COVID-19 and flu, especially during the forthcoming winter season.
Dr Waite urges everyone eligible for the free flu and/or COVID-19 vaccine to prioritize getting their jabs to protect their health. Last year, the flu vaccine prevented 25,000 hospitalizations. However, it is estimated that in England alone, flu caused over 14,000 excess deaths during the last winter, while COVID-19 claimed over 10,000 lives.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The flu and COVID-19 vaccination programs were initially scheduled to start this month but began in September due to concerns over the new COVID variant, BA.2.86. In England, individuals who are 65 or older, living in care homes, health or social care workers, those with certain long-term health conditions, or those living with someone who has a long-term health condition are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
It is important to note that COVID vaccines cannot be purchased privately in the UK.
Regarding the flu vaccine, it is available free to specific groups of adults, including pregnant women, individuals over 65, certain caregivers, and those with particular long-term health conditions. Australian data suggests that this year’s flu vaccine will provide effective protection for individuals residing in the UK.
NHS England reports that this year’s vaccination program is off to an encouraging start. About 10% of those eligible for the COVID-19 booster have already received their jab, while another 10% of those eligible for the flu vaccine have done the same. However, Dr Waite urges higher vaccine uptake, particularly among children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
Considering the unpredictable nature of COVID-19 and the concerning flu trends observed in Australia, Dr Waite states that predicting the exact course of the diseases remains uncertain. He expresses his concerns, particularly about the flu, given Australia’s experience of a large wave last year and an early wave this year.
Dr Waite concludes by emphasizing that COVID-19, in particular, will continue to surprise experts. He urges individuals to book their vaccination appointments for either vaccine through the NHS England website, using the NHS England app, by dialing 119, or responding to an invitation from their GP.
As the winter approaches, vaccination remains a crucial tool in reducing the burden on the NHS and protecting individuals from the potentially severe consequences of both COVID-19 and flu.