John Stevenson, the MP for Carlisle, has urged everyone who is eligible for the flu jab to get one this winter, as the Government launches its drive to vaccinate 30 million people.
This drive follows new research from Public Health England, which suggests that people who tested positive for both flu and Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to die, compared to those with Covid-19 alone. The research also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness.
This year, the flu vaccination programme is being expanded to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services. The health system is working to provide the free flu vaccine to 30 million people, the highest ever number on record.
This programme will include all primary school and year 7 children, two- and three-year olds, adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.
Once uptake has been maximised in the most at-risk groups, the newly eligible 50-64-year olds will also be invited for a vaccination later in the season.
John Stevenson MP said:“As we approach the winter, it is imperative that everyone who needs a flu vaccination takes up the offer to have one, as this could make an important difference if they should also catch coronavirus in the months ahead.
Controlling the spread of coronavirus and protecting the NHS is on all of us – we must all wash our hands, cover our faces and make space – as well as taking sensible steps like getting a flu jab.”