Flu Vaccines this Winter
Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated.
The Government has launched a campaign featuring striking imagery of suits of armour - encouraging those with long-term health conditions, like PSC, to book their flu jab and avoid the worst effects of flu this winter.
Vaccine teams are working across the country to make it as easy as possible for those in clinical risk groups to get their vaccinations. It comes as the NHS ramps up preparations for winter to provide the safest possible care for patients.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter - by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
Despite this, there were more than 300,000 hospital bed days taken up by patients with flu last winter.
Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, said:
“Vaccination is the best defence against flu, acting like a suit of armour for the most vulnerable.
"Last winter showed us the significant impact the flu vaccination programme has - with 100,000 hospitalisations prevented, protecting patients from disease and the NHS from winter pressures.
“The vaccination is free for those at greatest risk and I would urge everyone eligible to follow the advice of their doctor and come forward to protect themselves and the people around them before peak flu season.”
Those eligible for a flu vaccine are at greater risk of getting seriously ill. It takes about two weeks to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so booking as soon as possible is essential.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:
“People with long-term health conditions are particularly vulnerable to flu, which can have a serious impact on their health, so we’d urge those people to book their jabs now and make sure they’re protected.
“Seasonal viruses including flu are beginning to increase, but the NHS is making it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP practice, pharmacy, school, or other community clinic.
“You can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119, and the 'walk in flu finder' on the NHS app allows you to find a pharmacy where you can walk in for a vaccine without an appointment.”
Dr Suzanna McDonald, National Lead for the Influenza programme at UKHSA, said:
“We are already seeing flu cases starting to rise and some of the more vulnerable being hospitalised early on in the season. I'd encourage anyone with a long-term health condition who is at greater risk of more severe illness to book their flu vaccination now.
“This will help give you the best protection as we head into winter when flu is likely to increase. Don’t put if off and regret it later - if you're eligible contact your GP practice or local pharmacy today.”
The campaign targets people with certain long-term health conditions including heart, kidney and lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, neurological conditions and immunosuppression.
Developed by the Department of Health and Social Care, with support from NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency, the campaign uses the powerful call to action 'Stay Strong. Get Vaccinated'. It includes imagery of suits of armour to symbolise protection from flu, with each health condition displayed as a coat of arms.
The integrated campaign is launching across television, on-demand platforms, online videos, social media and digital display advertising.
It also includes tailored activity with community media to make sure those groups most at risk are reached.
The campaign reinforces the government's commitment to protecting vulnerable people during flu season, encouraging those with long-term health conditions to take steps to safeguard their health through vaccination and to protect the NHS.
This year also marked the first national drive to get more children protected from flu through school and nursery immunisation teams and we removed red tape to allow doctors and pharmacists to better respond to flu outbreaks by improving access to antivirals.
Those eligible can book quickly and easily at nhs.uk/book-flu, on the NHS App or by calling 119.