Eligible people in the Midlands who have yet to be vaccinated against the dangers of flu and COVID-19 are being urged to get protected as over 2,400 people are currently hospitalised across the region.

This winter has been the worst flu season for a decade, with high levels of flu in the community and many people being admitted to hospital. Over 930 people are currently in Midlands general and acute hospitals with 69 people in critical care. Hospitalisation rates are highest for older adults and young children.

There are currently 1,480 patients in the Midlands with COVID-19 in hospitals with 2,370 cases in the East Midlands and 2,729 in the West Midlands recorded over the last seven-day reporting period.

While over 3.8 million people in the Midlands have had a flu jab, and more than 3.3 million people have had their COVID-19 seasonal booster, there are still a number of eligible people who are yet to take up their winter vaccinations and are therefore at increased risk of serious illness.

The seasonal booster gives protection against the newer Omicron variants as well as the earlier COVID variants. So, while case rates remain high, the risk of serious illness is reduced thanks to the booster.

The COVID vaccine has saved more than 100,000 lives, helped tens of thousands of people stay out of hospital and has made it safer for everyone to live with COVID-19. The virus remains very dangerous and even life threatening for some, especially older people and younger people with long term health conditions.

Roz Lindridge, the NHS England director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:

“Over the past month we have undoubtedly faced pressures in the health service, including treating a high number of COVID-positive patients and more flu patients than this time last year. It remains as important as ever for those eligible to come forward for their flu jabs and COVID boosters. If you haven’t been vaccinated yet for your first COVID-19 dose – this helps protect you and those around you from the virus.

“Both flu and COVID-19 are serious infections that can lead to serious illness, complications arising from the illness, and even death. Patients throughout the Midlands are being hospitalised due to both infections, but the effects of these diseases can be significantly reduced or avoided altogether through vaccination.

“Anyone who has been invited for a flu vaccine but yet to take it up, should come forward now –  it is not too late and I would urge you to book an appointment at your local pharmacy, GP or via the National Booking Service, as soon as possible.

“The COVID-19 booster recharges the protection offered by earlier COVID vaccinations. The vaccine reduces the chance of you suffering from the serious effects of the disease and has been rigorously tested to the highest safety standards and is continuously monitored for safety. It has been tested on tens of thousands of people across the world – men, women, people of different ethnicities and ages – as well as given to millions more.

“Please help to protect yourselves and those who are most vulnerable by getting vaccinated. It is the best way to protect as many people as possible from developing serious respiratory illness this winter.”

Those eligible for the flu jab include all people aged 50 and over, health and social care workers, people aged six months and over and considered “at risk” due to another medical condition, as well as pregnant women and children aged two and three.

Children are able to receive their vaccination via a nasal spray and are encouraged to get the vaccine to not only protect themselves but reduce transmissions to others at risk.

Vaccine uptake in children aged two to three in the Midlands is behind last year’s figures. In 2022/23 37% of 2 year olds and 41% of 3 year olds have received their vaccine compared with 48.4% of 2 year olds and 50% of 3 year olds in 2021/22.

Parents and guardians of children aged 2 and 3 and children in high risk groups can make an appointment through their GP surgery. Secondary school aged children are being vaccinated this month through schools and community clinics. If parents and guardians think their reception and primary school aged children have missed their flu vaccination, they should contact their local school-aged vaccination service or ask at their school if you are unsure.

You can have the NHS flu vaccine if you are eligible at:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy offering the service – if you’re aged 18 or over
• some maternity services if you’re pregnant
• Sometimes, you might be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.

For full details on the flu vaccine visit the NHS website.

People can book their latest COVID-19 dose through the national booking system or by calling 119. You can also get a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine from a walk-in site without an appointment. People can find their nearest walk-in sites on the NHS website.