THE NHS is urging older adults not to miss out on their winter protection. Flu jabs for over 65s, RSV vaccines for those aged 75 to 79 if they’ve not had it before and COVID-19 vaccines for those anyone aged 75+ are still available, offering strong protection against serious illness.
Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (ICB) is encouraging people to take up the vaccinations they are entitled to as the NHS enters the part of winter when respiratory illnesses typically have the greatest impact.
Although many people assume the risk has passed after Christmas, January and February are often when respiratory viruses cause the most severe illness in older adults. Local health leaders are reminding eligible residents that there is still time to get protected.
Dr Fiona Head, Medical Director at Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB, said: “If you’ve been meaning to get vaccinated but just haven’t got round to it, please make it a priority. It’s one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your health this winter.
“Vaccines are wellmatched to the virus strains we’re seeing, and they continue to offer strong protection throughout the colder months. For people aged 65 and over, that protection is especially important as you are more at risk of developing complications like pneumonia which will put you in hospital.
National data shows that the average number of patients in hospital beds in England with flu last week hit 2,924 – a rise of 9% on the previous week.
Fiona added: “The extremely cold weather we’re having, coupled with more bugs circulating after Christmas get-togethers means that we are seeing our hospitals once again become very busy looking after people with breathing issues. Vaccination remains your best way to reduce the risk of ending up in hospital with an avoidable illness and help relieve pressure on local NHS services. If you’re eligible and haven’t yet taken up your vaccines, now is a very good time to do so.”
You can have a free flu jab if you:
are pregnant
are 65 and over
have a long term health condition
