PEOPLE in the West Midlands who are eligible for the free flu vaccine are being urged to take up the offer, after latest data shows many people in the most vulnerable groups remain unprotected.
This comes as 9 per cent of patients in hospital with flu in the region have needed to be moved to intensive care units (ITU) or high dependency units (HDU) over the last week.
Dr James Chipwete, health protection consultant and flu lead with UKHSA West Midlands, said: “As cases of flu are increasing, we’re urging parents to get their children protected, as nationally rates of flu are highest in 5–14-year-olds, while the greatest number of hospitalisations for flu are currently in under 5s.
“We are extremely fortunate to have vaccines, which remain our best protection against severe disease and hospitalisation.
Parents of two to three-year-olds are being reminded to protect their youngsters from flu, as latest figures show that children under five years old make up the highest rate of hospitalisations for flu in the country.
Dr Chipwete added: “This year, with everyone mixing as we did before the pandemic, and reduced immunity after not mixing as much for the last few years, we are preparing for a challenging winter.
“Currently COVID-19 levels are low, but cases are likely to rise steeply, and this, along with circulation of flu, could make for one of the most challenging winter seasons we have ever seen.
“That’s why it is so important that people get their vaccines as soon as possible and make sure their children are protected.”
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine/ for more information.
