People across the Midlands are being urged to get their flu jab ahead of a winter where both flu and COVID-19 will be circulating. There are more than two thousand venues in the Midlands offering flu vaccines for the 4 million over 50s still to be vaccinated.

Dr Nigel Sturrock is urging everyone who is eligible for the free flu jab to take this opportunity to protect themselves and other vulnerable people.

At a time of increased publicity around cases of COVID-19 and the vaccination programme, Midlands clinicians are warning those eligible not to forget their flu jab and the chance to increase protection against this winter disease.

On average around 11,000 people die each year in England from flu and there are fears the death toll could be much higher due to a lack of exposure last winter due to social distancing.  According to modelling from the Academy of Medical Sciences, a lack of population immunity due to its suppression over the past year by COVID restrictions could contribute to between 15,000 and 60,000 flu deaths.

This year, people who are eligible for the flu vaccine include those aged 50 plus, two and three-year olds, school children up to year 11, pregnant women, health and care staff, people who are at risk and households of immunosuppressed people. Anyone eligible can get their jab through their GP or by going to a community pharmacist.

Dr Nigel Sturrock, Regional Medical Director at NHS England and NHS Improvement in the Midlands, said:

“I urge everyone who is eligible for the free flu jab to take this opportunity to protect themselves and other vulnerable people.

“For the first time we will have COVID-19 and flu co-circulating. Not many people got flu last year because of COVID-19 restrictions, so there isn’t as much natural immunity in our communities as usual. If people get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows that they are more likely to be seriously ill.

“The flu vaccine is a lifesaver because flu is a highly contagious disease which for some people can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences. Having the flu vaccine will also stop you spreading flu to other people who may be more at risk of serious problems from flu. So, if you are offered a flu vaccination this year, please accept it.”

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:

• are 50 and over (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• frontline health or social care workers

Two and three-year olds will be offered flu nasal spray, as will primary school and secondary school pupils up to year 11 through school vaccination programmes.

A nationwide advertising campaign has launched as part of the government’s call to the public to get their COVID-19 booster and flu jabs, to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.

The multimedia campaign will run on outdoor billboards, broadcast and community radio and TV to support the national vaccine drive.

For more information about the flu vaccine visit https://www.nhs.uk/