Half of people aged 16- 65 with a long-term health condition which makes them more susceptible to serious complications of flu missed out on their vaccine last year.
Nationally, only 49.1% of people aged 16-65 with an eligible chronic condition got the flu jab last year – while in the West Midlands, uptake in this group was only 47.5%.
People with certain health conditions are also eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. UKHSA is calling on people with medical conditions that make them more vulnerable to the impacts of flu and COVID to book their jabs today and ‘Get Winter Strong’.
Dr James Chipwete, Health Protection Consultant leading on respiratory and winter infections for UKHSA West Midlands, said: “There are a variety of long-term health conditions that put you at increased risk of serious complications if you catch flu or COVID-19.
“The problem is that many people who are at greater risk because of these conditions don’t necessarily feel ‘vulnerable’ – but even if your condition is well managed, this does not reduce the risk of severe illness and potential hospitalisation from these infections. That’s why it’s vital people who are eligible ‘Get Winter Strong’ and book both jabs as soon as possible.”
You are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines if you have any of the following. This is not an exhaustive list so speak to your GP, pharmacist or your specialist if you think you have a medical condition that puts you more at risk.
Chronic heart disease and vascular disease: Including congenital heart disease, hypertension with cardiac complications, chronic heart failure, individuals requiring regular medication and/or follow-up for ischaemic heart disease. This includes individuals with atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease or a history of venous thromboembolism.
Chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5, chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome, kidney transplantation.
Chronic liver disease: Including cirrhosis, biliary atresia, chronic hepatitis.
Diabetes and other endocrine conditions: Including Type I and Type II diabetes and Addison’s disease.
Splenic dysfunction or asplenia: This also includes conditions such as homozygous sickle cell disease, thalassemia major and coeliac syndrome that may lead to splenic dysfunction.
Chronic neurological disease: Including stroke, transient ischaemic attack (TIA). This group also includes individuals with cerebral palsy, severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) including all those on the learning disability register, Down’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and related or similar conditions; or hereditary and degenerative disease of the nervous system or muscles; or severe neurological disability.
Immunosuppression: If you are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment then you are eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines. This includes patients undergoing chemotherapy leading to immunosuppression, patients undergoing radical radiotherapy, solid organ transplant recipients, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, people living with HIV (at all stages), multiple myeloma or genetic disorders affecting the immune system. People who may require long term immunosuppressive treatment are also eligible, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis.
If you have previously had blood cancer including leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, then you are eligible for the vaccines.
Morbid obesity: Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above (≥40 kg/m2)
All eligible adults can book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations by visiting www.nhs.uk/seasonalvaccinations or on the NHS App. GP practices and other local NHS services will also be contacting people to offer both flu and Covid vaccines, and people can book the flu vaccine by searching online for a local pharmacy.
