Winterwatch provides regular updates on the levels of flu-like illness and uptake of flu vaccination, along with details on how the NHS is coping with the increased demands of winter.
Approximately 27,000 more people die each year in England over the winter months, compared with other times of the year. Cold weather increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, flu and other diseases.
People with a serious health condition are 11 times more likely to die from flu than someone who is not in the ‘at-risk’ group.
Low uptake of vaccination
Uptake of the flu vaccination is still lower than at this time last year. Only 60.8% of people in England aged 65 or over have had the jab (compared to 64.8% this time last year) and only 37.5% of patients under 65 and in the clinical risk groups have done so (compared to 40.4% last year).
A national advertising campaign encouraging people to get vaccinated was launched earlier this month, due to the low take-up rates. There has been no national winter flu campaign for the past two years, although there have been local campaigns.
Provisional data indicates that only 28.4% of healthcare workers have received the vaccination by 31 October, comparable to the same time last year.
Carers
Unpaid carers are also encouraged to get vaccinated, to protect themselves and the people that they care for.
It is government policy that the vaccine should be available to anyone who is receiving a carer’s allowance, or is the main carer for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.
Getting vaccinated
For more information about the flu vaccine talk to your GP, practice nurse, district nurse or pharmacist, or visit NHS Choices, Immunisation Scotland or Flu Aware NI, which all provide further information on flu and how to get vaccinated.
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