Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has urged all those people in Workington constituency who are eligible for the flu jab to get one this winter, as the Government launches its drive to vaccine 30 million people.
This is the largest ever flu vaccination campaign launched in England, with everyone over the age of 50 to be offered a flu vaccine.
The drive to vaccines comes as new research from Public Health England suggests that people who tested positive for both flu and Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to die, compared to those with Covid-19 alone. The research also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness.
This year, the flu vaccination programme is being expanded to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services. The health system is working to provide the free flu vaccine to 30 million people, the highest number on record, including:
- All primary school children, and, for the first time, Year 7 children.
- Two- and three-olds.
- The most vulnerable people, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnancy women.
- Household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.
Once uptake has been maximised in the most at-risk groups, the newly eligible 50-64-year olds will be invited for vaccination later in the season.
Mark Jenkinson said: “As we approach the winter, it is important that everyone who needs a flu vaccination takes up the offer to have one.
“Those who live in the Workington constituency who are eligible to get vaccinated, should do so. Having a flu vaccination could make an important difference if they should also catch coronavirus in the months ahead.
“Controlling the spread of coronavirus and protecting the NHS our collective responsibility – we must all wash out hands, cover our faces and make space – as well as taking sensible steps like getting a flu jab.”
