Health & Wellbeing

Colors: Purple Color
Colors: Purple Color

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England are urging those eligible who’ve not yet come forward for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to ‘get winter strong’ and join the millions of others in taking up the offer ahead of the festive and new year season when flu and COVID-19 are expected to peak.

A total of 11.7 million people in England have had the flu vaccine so far, with 8.6 million taking up the COVID-19 booster, but millions more in vulnerable groups remain at risk. As part of a drive to encourage those eligible but still unvaccinated to come forward, TV doctor and former Gladiator Dr Zoe Williams is fronting a major new national marketing campaign, launched today (1 November).

Adverts encouraging people to ‘get winter strong’ - with gladiatorial creatives and copy - will appear on TV on demand, radio and billboards, with further content across social media and in newspapers throughout the campaign, which runs from 1 November to mid-December. For the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the campaign targets pregnant women, and those with ongoing health conditions, as these groups have more recently had lower vaccine uptake despite being at higher risk.  

The campaign also aims to engage parents of children aged 2 & 3 (on the 31 August) to get their children vaccinated against flu. Dr James Chipwete (pic), Health Protection Consultant with UKHSA West Midlands leading on winter and respiratory infections, said: “At this time of year, when the weather gets colder, we begin to see respiratory viruses spreading much more.

“‘Flu season’, as it’s known, usually reaches its peak over the festive period up to New Year. Nobody wants to miss out on festive celebrations with family and friends, so getting your vaccines, if eligible, is the best defence to arm yourself against infection.

“For people who are most vulnerable to flu and COVID-19, catching these diseases can mean more than just missing out, they can cause severe illness and hospitalisation – and can even be fatal. That’s why we’re urging everyone eligible to ‘Get Winter Strong’ and have their winter vaccinations as soon as possible.”

GP and TV Doctor, Dr Zoe Williams said: “Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines can help prepare your immune system, helping to make you winter strong and better able to fight off these illnesses if they come your way.

“If you are eligible, it’s because you are at higher risk of severe illness, so now is the time to get protected before winter arrives. Pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions are particularly at risk from flu and COVID-19 and young children aged 2 and 3 from flu.

“My 2-year-old recently had their flu nasal spray vaccination. It was quick and painless, and I’d strongly encourage other parents to take up the offer. Nobody wants to see their child getting unwell with what can be a nasty illness especially with the winter festivities ahead.”

Steve Russell, Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccinations and Screening at NHS England, said: “Getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are two of the most important things you can do to protect yourself from serious illness this winter.

“We are delighted that over 20 million winter vaccines have already been given – making this the fastest flu rollout on record – and hope that others will come forward when they see this campaign, particularly those most at risk. There are thousands of sites open across the country and eligible adults can book both vaccines online or through the NHS App in just a few minutes – if you’re eligible, we’d urge you to get both vaccinations as soon as you can, to help protect yourself and your loved ones and get winter strong.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Waite, says: “Flu and Covid can cause severe illness and hospitalisations for vulnerable people, so it’s essential you protect yourself by booking your jab.

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