Older people urged to get flu and Covid vaccines this winter

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Older people in northern England are being encouraged to take up free flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines as health officials warn of serious winter virus risks.

Older people in Leeds and Bradford are being urged to get vaccinated against flu, Covid-19 and RSV this winter. Health officials and charities have raised concerns following nearly 4,000 flu-related deaths in England last winter.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said the figures demonstrate that seasonal viruses pose serious risks to vulnerable groups and should not be dismissed as minor illnesses. She highlighted that vaccinations prevented thousands of hospital admissions last winter and reduced pressure on NHS services during peak winter months.

According to the UK Health Security Agency, flu vaccinations alone prevented an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths in England last winter. Officials note that older people face additional winter challenges including energy cost concerns and managing existing health conditions.

Age UK has called on eligible individuals to accept vaccination offers and encouraged friends and family to help older relatives arrange appointments and confirm which vaccinations they are entitled to receive.

How it is being reported

• Experts urge older people in Bradford to get vaccines as flu deaths near 4,000Nearly 4,000 flu-related deaths in England last winter prompt calls for older people to get free NHS vaccines against flu, Covid-19 and RSV to protect health.Telegraph & Argus · 16 Oct, 11:30
• Older people in Leeds urged ‘not get complacent’ and have flu jab this winter“If you are offered a flu we strongly encourage you to take up the opportunity.”Yorkshire Evening Post · 16 Oct, 04:30

In this story: Leeds · Bradford · Age UK · Caroline Abrahams · UK Health Security Agency · NHS England

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