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Flu can be deadly for vulnerable people and this year the risk to their lives is even greater.

People in at risk groups are being urged to have their flu jab as soon as they are invited by their GP or Pharmacist.

This is because those most at risk from flu are also most at risk from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. Both viruses are easily spread, with many people not showing severe symptoms or even realising they are passing on a potentially deadly illness to someone who may not be able to fight it.

Flu is a serious condition that kills on average 11,000 people in England each year and puts many more in hospital. Having your flu jab is the best way to protect yourself from becoming ill with the flu, especially if you are in a vulnerable group.

Stephen Pintus, Director of Public Health for North East Lincolnshire, is calling on all eligible people to have their flu jab, as new research from Public Health England (PHE) suggests that the risk of death more than doubled for people who tested positive for both flu and COVID-19, compared to those with COVID-19 alone*.

Mr Pintus said: “This isn’t an ordinary winter. With COVID still circulating, and an increased risk to life if you are ill with both viruses at once, it is even more vital to get your jab as soon as you can.”

“It is dangerous to dismiss influenza as ‘just’ the flu – it can be extremely serious and can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

“The flu vaccine is more important than ever, to help reduce transmission of flu and protect our communities from the double threat of flu and COVID-19. You may be offered it for the first time this year – it is important that you take up the offer to protect yourself and others.”

This year, more people than ever will be invited for a free flu jab to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.

• All primary school children and, for the first time, Year 7 children will be offered the flu “nasal spray” in schools to reduce community transmission. Two and three-year-olds will be offered the vaccine through their GP.
• The most vulnerable, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will be offered the flu vaccine first through their GP or pharmacy.
• The flu vaccine will also be offered to household contacts of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and all 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. Anyone who is aged 50-64 years old with a long-term health condition should be vaccinated earlier in the season, in line with all others in risk groups.

For full details of eligibility please visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine