Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, is urging all Wealden residents who are eligible for the flu jab to get one this winter, as the Government launches its drive to vaccine 30 million people.
The drive to vaccines comes as new research from Public Health England 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 number on record, including:
- All primary school children, and, for the first time, Year 7 children.
- Two- and three-olds.
- The most vulnerable people, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and 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 be invited for vaccination later in the season.
Nus Ghani said: “This year more than ever, it is vital that those eligible for the winter flu jab get it. I urge everyone in Wealden who is eligible to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their families. This will make an important difference, should they also come into contact with coronavirus in the months ahead.”
To find out more, please visit the NHS website here.
Speaking in the House of Commons in July, Nus advocated for any data available to the Government to be shared with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council. You can watch the video of Nus speaking in the House of Commons here.
