Time for Flu Shots – getting one is more important than ever!

New data from Public Health England suggests that people infected with both Covid-19 and flu between January and April were more at risk of serious illness and death. The risk of death more than doubled for both flu and Covid-19 compared to those infected with just Covid-19 alone. Most cases of co-infection were in older people who may have had other pre-existing conditions and a poor immune response and more than half of them died. If you are looking for the flu vaccination in Earlsfield then contact Pearl Chemist Group without delay.

What is the importance of flu shots?

Flu is a serious condition that kills, on average, 11,000 people in England each year and hospitalises many more. Adults who are at risk of flu will also be at risk from Covid-19 so, this year more than ever, the flu vaccine will be essential to protect the UK population from the dual threat of both diseases.

This year, the flu vaccination programme is being expanded to help protect people from flu and ease the pressure on the NHS and care services. The health system is working hard to provide the vaccine to 30 million people, the highest number on record. All primary school children and for the first time, Year 7 children, will be offered the flu vaccine via the nasal spray to help reduce transmission of the illness in their community.  Two and three-year-old infants will also be offered the vaccine via their GP.

The first groups of people to receive the flu jab are those who are considered to be the most vulnerable and these include:

  • adults aged 65 and over
  • those with long-term health conditions
  • pregnant women
  • household contacts of those on the NHS Shielded Patient List
  • health and social care workers

Once the maximum uptake has been achieved, flu shots will also be offered to 50-64-year-olds who are a newly eligible group this year and who would not normally receive the vaccine. Anyone in this age group who also has long-term health conditions should be vaccinated earlier as a priority. Also a new move, for the first time, pharmacists will be able to vaccinate residents and care home staff at the same time. The benefits of flu vaccination are now more important than ever.

Visit our website for the latest advice about flu and Covid and if you are looking for the flu vaccination in Earlsfield https://www.pearlchemistgroup.co.uk/