As reported by BBC news, health officials urge vulnerable groups to get vaccinated as flu, Covid, and RSV threaten a “tripledemic” this winter
Health officials are warning that a decrease in flu vaccine uptake could lead to a harsher winter in the UK this year. Despite mild flu seasons in recent years, there were at least 18,000 flu-related deaths in England over the past two years, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The NHS offers free flu vaccinations each year to people most at risk of severe illness from influenza. While vaccine uptake remained high among older adults last year, only about one in three pregnant women and four in 10 people with long-term health conditions received the flu shot. This marked a decline from previous years. Vaccination rates for two- and three-year-olds were also low, with just over 40% receiving protection.
Health officials are also concerned about the potential for a “tripledemic” this winter, with flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulating at the same time. Although flu is most common in winter, people can catch these viruses year-round. Most recover fully, but flu can be dangerous and even deadly, especially for vulnerable groups.
Flu severity varies each year, with some seasons being more deadly than others. The 2017-2018 season, for example, saw 22,500 excess deaths associated with flu. It is unclear how severe this year’s flu season will be, but officials often look to the southern hemisphere for clues. In Australia, flu cases were relatively high this winter, as were levels in Southern Africa and parts of South America, including Chile, Ecuador, and Uruguay.
The flu vaccine is regularly updated to match the evolving virus. The NHS offers free flu vaccines to those aged 65 or older, pregnant women, people with certain long-term health conditions, care home residents, carers, and those living with someone with a weakened immune system. Children are offered a nasal spray vaccine.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director of immunisation at UKHSA, urged people to get vaccinated ahead of winter, stating that it is the best defence against severe illness. Those eligible for an autumn Covid-19 booster include adults over 65, care home residents, healthcare workers, and people in high-risk groups, including pregnant women.