Dr. Thomas Waite Issues Urgent Call for Dual Flu and Covid Vaccine as Winter Nears

England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Waite, underscores the critical need for both flu and Covid vaccines as winter nears. Last year’s vaccine success is noted, but concerns about the unpredictable nature of Covid-19 and the new variant drive early vaccination efforts among eligible groups.

England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Waite, underscores the critical need for both flu and Covid vaccines as winter nears. (PHOTO: GOV.UK)

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Dr. Thomas Waite Urges Flu and Covid Vaccine Amid Covid-19’s Unpredictable Winter Surge

England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Thomas Waite, has issued a stark warning as winter approaches, with Covid-19 defying seasonal norms. According to BBC, Dr. Waite emphasizes the importance of vaccinations, urging all eligible individuals to get both the free flu and Covid vaccines.

In the last year’s flu and Covid vaccine’s data, the flu vaccine prevented 25,000 hospitalizations, but it couldn’t prevent over 14,000 excess flu-related deaths and more than 10,000 Covid-19 fatalities in England during the winter.

The flu and Covid vaccine programs kicked off in September due to concerns about the new Covid variant, BA.2.86. Eligible groups for the Covid vaccine include those aged 65+, care home residents, healthcare and social care workers, and individuals with specific long-term health conditions. Private purchase of Covid vaccines is not permitted.

The free flu vaccine is available to certain adults, pregnant individuals, those over 65, specific caregivers, and children aged two and above, or from six months with certain health conditions.

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Flu Vaccine Success Fuels Hope, but Dr. Waite Stresses Need for Wider Acceptance Of Flu and Covid Vaccine

The flu vaccine showed promising results last year, reducing hospitalizations by 25,000. Data from Australia suggests this year’s flu vaccine offers strong protection in the UK.

While NHS England reports a 10% uptake in both Covid boosters and flu shots among eligible individuals, Dr. Waite calls for higher vaccine acceptance, especially among children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions. The unpredictability of Covid-19 and flu this winter remains a concern, but Dr. Waite believes Covid-19 will continue to present unexpected challenges.

Eligible individuals can book flu and Covid vaccine via the NHS England website, mobile app, by dialing 119, or responding to GP invitations.

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