This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
25 million to be offered free NHS flu jab
Record numbers of people will be offered a flu vaccine this winter in England, with the country’s top medics urging those at risk of suffering to ensure they get their free NHS vaccination.
The health service in England has prepared for its largest ever flu protection drive to help keep people well and ease pressure on urgent care services over the colder months. The number of people eligible has topped 25 million this year as the offer of the vaccine is now extended to all primary school aged children – an extra 600,000 children.
NHS England is funding vaccines for social care and hospice workers, with older adults more vulnerable and liable to suffer more than most people if they do catch flu. Protecting children is also crucial for protecting the rest of the population as they tend to be ‘super spreaders’ of flu due to poorer hand hygiene.
Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said: “Every winter there is always the threat of a bad flu season. Flu is a serious illness and can even be deadly for the most vulnerable of our population. That’s why it’s vital that we are prepared and always working to offer people better protection.
“This year, more vaccines are available and every primary school child will be offered a flu vaccine. Children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu. Flu vaccination not only protects the children but it also protects other more vulnerable members of the community from a potentially horrible illness. If you or your child are in an eligible group, make sure you get a flu vaccine. It’s the best defence we have against an unpredictable virus.”
A record number of NHS staff – 70.3 per cent of frontline workers – took up their workplace jab last year.
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