England’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Thomas Waite, has cautioned that the behaviour of Covid-19 is unpredictable and it will “continue to surprise us”. Dr Waite has urged all those who are eligible for the flu and Covid vaccines to take them. It is considered the best protection against contracting both viruses. Although the flu vaccine helped 25,000 people avoid hospitalization last year in England, more than 14,000 excess deaths were still caused by flu, and over 10,000 deaths were caused by Covid. Dr Waite recommended that vaccine uptake should be increased, particularly among children, pregnant women, and those with health conditions who are more at risk.
The flu and Covid vaccination programme was initially due to take place in October. However, as a new Covid variant, BA.2.86, emerged, the programme started earlier, in September. Individuals can get Covid vaccinations if they are aged 65 or over, live in care homes, work in health or social care, have long-term health conditions or live with someone with one. In the UK, it is not possible to buy any Covid vaccines privately.
The flu vaccination is free for certain groups of adults, including expectant mothers, those over 65, specific carers, and those who have long-term health conditions. Children can receive flu vaccinations as nasal sprays from the age of two, or starting from the age of six months if they have a specific health condition. Health authorities in the UK have reported that last year’s flu vaccine protected 25,000 from needing further medical treatment.
Dr Waite also expressed his concerns about the upcoming winter, stating that “flu worries me.” He emphasized that predicting the outcome of Covid and flu this winter is difficult and said that Covid would “continue to surprise us.” Australia saw a significant wave of flu last year and an early wave this year, adding to the uncertainty of what is to come. Currently, the vaccination programmes in England are off to a beneficial start, but Dr Waite hopes to see increased uptake among the most vulnerable groups.
Individuals can make an appointment for either vaccine on the NHS England website through a mobile app, by dialling 119, or by responding to an invitation from their GP
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