Pavilion Health Today
Supporting healthcare professionals to deliver the best patient care

Flu vaccinations hold the key to staving off the winter surge

Despite the NHS preparing their largest flu vaccination campaign in history, one in five are still unaware who is eligible for a flu vaccine. This puts a potential seven million eligible patients at risk of missing their jab

The NHS is currently preparing for the largest flu vaccination programme in its history, with plans to reach over 35 million people this Autumn.1 However, while health providers prepare for this crucial roll out, research has revealed that one in five patients are still unaware if they are eligible for the flu vaccine.2

This concerning finding puts a potential seven million people at risk of missing out on what could be a life-saving flu jab. While 15% to 20% of the population typically contract flu each year, the NHS is expected to be under significantly higher strain this flu season.

The Royal College of General Practitioners noted flu cases were 95% lower than usual in the previous season.3 This has resulted in reduced population immunity, with more people vulnerable to infection in 2021.

Research from healthcare management app myGP found that two in five people surveyed plan to call their GP receptions for guidance on how to book a flu vaccine, a major concern as receptionists manage already over stretched services.

Recent concerns in the press around the flu jab’s effectiveness simply highlights the importance of getting the vaccine. Life is unpredictable and we have a collective duty to protect one another. A less effective vaccine means a higher uptake is necessary to support those who are either at risk or not eligible for a flu vaccine. I’m urging people not to be complacent and gamble their health.

While there is annual data on those who have died from the flu, countless people will have averted a similar fate because they, and those around them, received their annual jab. Full population coverage is needed to protect the most vulnerable groups in our society and the most effective way to achieve this is by getting vaccinated.

Key learning objectives

  • 20% of people get the flu each year, with deaths amounting to 25,000 each year
  • Despite the NHS preparing their largest flu vaccination campaign in history, one in five are still unaware who is eligible for a flu vaccine. This puts a potential seven million eligible patients at risk of missing their jab
  • A study of over 74,000 Covid patients revealed that flu vaccinations may offer partial protection against a number of Covid-19’s more severe health effects
  • Covid patients already vaccinated against the flu were up to 58% less likely to have a stroke

Who is eligible for a flu vaccine?

Eligibility in 2021 encompasses a much wider group than that of 2019. In fact, the flu jab target for this winter is almost double that of last year.

The NHS flu vaccine is available to:

  • Adults aged 50 years and over
  • Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2021
  • Children in primary school
  • Children in Years 7 to 11 in secondary school
  • Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
  • Frontline health and adult social care staff
  • Pregnant women
  • Those aged 6 months to under 50 years who are in clinical risk groups
  • Unpaid carers.4

A recently published study by the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has shown that the flu vaccine may offer vital protection against a number of Covid-19’s more severe effects.

A host of the virus’ most serious outcomes including sepsis, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, visits to emergency departments, and ICU admissions were mitigated by the flu vaccine. While the risk of death is not reduced by the flu vaccine, those who had received their flu vaccination were up to 58% less likely to have a stroke and up to 45% less likely to develop sepsis.5

The study went on to suggest that, with the usual caveat of further research needed, the benefits of the flu vaccine were not simply limited to those unvaccinated against Covid-19: “Even patients who have already received SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may stand to benefit given that the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine does not convey complete immunity.”

Flu and Covid-19 symptom confusion

It can be hard for people to tell if they are suffering from flu or from Covid-19 – with some symptoms appearing for both viruses. Similarities between Covid-19 and flu can cause confusion, putting individuals at risk of incorrect self-diagnosis.6

With 75% of adults in the UK now double vaccinated against Covid-19, Ministers are concerned that those who test negative for Covid-19 will not realise they have flu and, inadvertently, put others at risk of infection.

A study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology found that those who are simultaneously infected with flu and Covid-19 are almost twice as likely to die as those solely infected by Covid-19. For many, the numerous similarities between flu and Covid-19, and reports of inaccurate lateral flow tests, mean they are reliant on a loss of taste or smell to identify which illness they have contracted. However, while this is a common indicator of Covid-19, not all who are infected will develop this symptom.7

As Covid restrictions shift, with isolation periods decreasing and social movement increasing, it is vital to remember that Covid isn’t the only contagious virus prevalent during the winter months.

Flu can be very serious for those in at-risk groups, and I sincerely hope the last 18 months has taught us the importance of not only getting vaccinated but also keeping our space and staying away from others if feeling unwell. If we can apply this logic to flu, and everyone who is eligible gets their vaccine, there is every hope that we can reduce the strain on the NHS this winter.8


Dr Yasmin Razak, GP Partner at Golborne Medical and Medical Advisor to myGP


References

  1. Biggest flu programme in history to roll out for winter 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) Accessed August 2021
  2. MyGP vaccine survey. https://www.mygp.com/360-solution-for-2021-flu-season/
  3. RCGP. https://www.rcgp.org.uk/clinical-and-research/our-programmes/research-and-surveillance-centre.aspx
  4. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-flu-immunisation-programme-plan/national-flu-immunisation-programme-2021-to-2022-letter
  5. Flu shot protects against severe effects of COVID-19, study finds — ScienceDaily Accessed August 2021
  6. SERV_INT_2029_Flu_vs_Covid_Booklet_A5_WEB.pdf (cnwl.nhs.uk) Accessed August 202
  7. Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and influenza, and the impact of coinfection on disease severity: a test-negative design | International Journal of Epidemiology | Oxford Academic (oup.com) Accessed August 2021
  8. Examining the potential benefits of the influenza vaccine against SARS-CoV-2: A retrospective cohort analysis of 74,754 patients (plos.org) Accessed August 2021

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read more ...

Privacy & Cookies Policy