People at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and Covid-19
have a short window to protect themselves before the viruses are
in wide circulation.
One of Wales's most senior doctors is concerned that many people
with health conditions, which can increase the risk of
hospitalisation from winter illnesses, have not yet taken up
their offer of vaccination this year.
The most recent data shows less than 30% of younger adults who
are eligible have come forward for a free flu jab; 62% of people
aged 65 and over have been vaccinated.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr. Keith Reid
said:
“The flu is not just a ‘bad cold' for people with chronic health
conditions. Without vaccination, it could mean serious illness
and an emergency admission to hospital.
“We know many young people with conditions like asthma or
diabetes haven't got this vital protection yet.
“The peak virus season is close. Now is the time to come forward
for your flu and Covid-19 jabs if you're eligible.
“It's free, its safe and it's the best way to shield yourself
from serious complications. It's now more convenient as you can
get both vaccinations at the same time.”
Health and social care workers are also strongly encouraged to
take up the offer of a flu vaccine, to protect their health as
they care for others.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:
“We are hugely fortunate in Wales to have a national flu
vaccination programme to protect those most at risk of becoming
seriously ill with the virus.
“The programme is also available to health and social care
workers to ensure they stay well over the difficult winter
months.
“I would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward to
get protected as soon as possible.”
There was a sharp decrease in flu circulation during the pandemic
– mainly because of the measures and restrictions to prevent
Covid-19 spreading – but since then, the number of people
experiencing serious illness has risen.
The director of the Wales National Influenza Centre,
Professor Catherine Moore said:
“Since the pandemic we've seen influenza return to circulation,
with more people being admitted to hospital with complications,
some which could have been prevented by vaccination.
“Every winter we see increased hospitalisation and intensive care
treatment of people with neurological, chronic respiratory, liver
and cardiac conditions, due to complications of the flu or
because it has worsened a previously known illness. Sadly, a
proportion of these people will die as a result.
“For diabetic people, flu can lead to a reduction in blood
glucose levels and is linked to a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA) - a medical emergency.
“There's also significant concern if mothers contract the flu in
late pregnancy, as there's a higher risk of pneumonia, and has
been linked to premature births. Vaccination goes beyond
protecting the new mother but shields the baby in the first few
months of life.”
Anybody who is eligible for a Covid-19 or a flu vaccine still has
time to get protected before the peak of the season.
Details of how to access a vaccine in each health board area can
be found here.
Notes to editors
Eligibility and how to get vaccinated in your area
- Flu vaccine and COVID-19
Autumn Vaccine - Public Health Wales
