With winter upon us, NHS doctors across London are stepping up their efforts to urge those eligible to get their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations. Launching the campaign on October 3, the health authorities aim to protect Londoners from the potential wave of winter viruses.
Starting from today, high-risk groups throughout London can begin receiving their winter vaccinations. Vaccination is seen as a pivotal tool to lessen the chances of serious illness and hospital admissions during the busy months of winter. Eligible individuals this year encompass those aged 65 and older, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions. Not only those at risk are encouraged to get vaccinated, but also frontline health and social care workers, whose roles make them particularly vulnerable.
Dr. Tehseen Khan, who serves as both GP and clinical adviser to NHS London, emphasized the lifesaving nature of these vaccines. He stated, "The flu and Covid-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defence against these viruses." The process of getting vaccinated is straightforward and quick; eligible individuals can book their appointments online via the NHS App or by calling there is also the option for interpreters if needed.
Further lysing the importance of the vaccines, Dr. Khan noted, “It takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119.” He passionately advocated for the vaccines, urging those eligible to take the necessary steps to protect not only themselves but also others around them.
The eligibility criteria for receiving the flu vaccine includes: individuals aged 65 and older, those aged 18 to under 65 years within clinical risk groups, residents of long-stay residential care homes, unpaid carers of any age, and frontline workers without access to employer-led health schemes. The NHS particularly targets those working for registered care or nursing homes, as well as individuals caring for people who are immunocompromised.
When it concerns the Covid-19 vaccines, eligibility criteria remains similar. Those eligible include residents in care homes for older adults, all adults aged 65 and over, individuals aged 6 months to 64 years within clinical risk groups—including pregnant women—and frontline health and social care workers.
The current winter campaign follows alarming data from the UK Health Security Agency, which reported a 31.5% increase in Covid-19 cases across England leading up to mid-September. With concerns over new variants, particularly the highly transmissible NEC variant recently identified, the NHS believes the vaccinations are integral to controlling the spread as the chances of respiratory illnesses increase during colder months.
Dr. Matt Nisbet, Hampshire GP and clinical lead for vaccinations for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, commented on the significance of vaccinations, recognizing them as one of the finest ways to fend off illnesses. He described the anticipated rise of respiratory illnesses during the winter as something dependent on community cooperation for mitigation. His firm message was, "These vaccinations provide vitally important protection, helping to prevent serious illnesses and reduce hospital admissions during the busy winter months."
The efforts to raise awareness extend to pregnant women, who have been identified as particularly susceptible to complications from both flu and Covid-19. Unfortunately, vaccination uptake among pregnant women dropped from 51% back during the prior year of increased public health awareness to just 38% this year. The NHS hopes to boost these numbers as they prioritize vaccinations for this group.
Realizing the continuing barriers faced by pregnant women, the NHS initiated its winter campaign by first targeting pregnant patients and children aged 2 to 16. General practitioners are also reaching out directly to eligible individuals, ensuring comprehensive outreach through local NHS services to facilitate access to vaccines. Appointments for the vaccines can easily be made through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for assistance.
The NHS will send out invitations to eligible residents and GP practices are proactively contacting individuals to confirm their vaccine appointments. Dr. Ilozue, another senior clinical adviser for the NHS London Vaccination Programme, expressed concern over avoidable hospitalizations, noting, “I have seen first-hand the effect of not being vaccinated.” He encouraged any person having doubts to consult with trusted healthcare professionals, aiming to clear up misconceptions and provide factual healthcare resources.
The dual vaccination campaign for winter aims to significantly mitigate the risk posed by the amalgamation of Covid-19 and seasonal flu. Through coordinated efforts, the NHS, GPs, and healthcare providers are resolutely advocating for citizens to stay well this winter, enhancing community consciousness surrounding the ever-changing pandemic and seasonal illnesses.
For additional information and assistance, one can refer to the NHS resources available at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations. Through the combined might of community awareness and medical action, the NHS aims to navigate this winter’s challenges and safeguard public health.
