Damian Hinds MP: Getting Your Flu Jab Could Save a Life
As the colder months arrive, posters appear in GP surgeries and pharmacies encouraging people to get their flu jab. Each year, the NHS leads a major campaign to protect against seasonal flu and, more recently, Covid-19.
These illnesses can cause serious complications and hospital admissions, increasing pressure on NHS services already stretched during winter.
Vaccination Rates in Hampshire
In Hampshire, vaccination rates for older adults exceed the national average. Over 65% of people aged over 65 have received the flu jab. However, vaccination uptake among younger children remains below expectations.
- Just under 60% of children aged two to three in Hampshire have been vaccinated, which is below the World Health Organization’s 75% target.
- Children under five have some of the highest hospital admission rates due to flu.
- From early October, two- and three-year-olds could get vaccinated at community pharmacies to improve uptake this year.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements in public health, saving lives daily and curbing the spread of infectious diseases. The UK has been a leader in vaccination efforts worldwide.
"Measles, however, is a stark reminder that progress can be undone. Once considered eliminated in England, with no reported cases in 2018, the disease has since returned."
By 2021, England lost its “measles elimination status” due to outbreaks spreading throughout the country.
Author's Summary
Getting vaccinated against flu not only protects individuals but also helps reduce hospital pressures and prevent potentially serious health complications across communities.