New evidence from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that showed the uptake of flu jabs took a decline – with only 41% of people with long-term health conditions, 44% 2 -3-year-olds and 33% of pregnant women opting to get vaccinated in the last two winters
Health professionals are concerned about the low level of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine uptake in the pregnant, immunocompromised, and elderly cohort. The concern comes in response to new evidence from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that showed the uptake of flu jabs took a decline – with only 41% of people with long-term health conditions, 44% 2 -3-year-olds and 33% of pregnant women opting to get vaccinated in the last two winters, resulting in over 18,000 deaths.
‘As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which tragically can kill thousands of people every year,’ said Dr. Gayatri, UKHSA Deputy Director of Immunisation. ‘Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.’
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The NHS is now rolling out a new vaccination campaign ahead of winter to avoid a ‘tripledemic’ of flu, COVID-19, and RSV to act as an effort to encourage higher-risk groups to get vaccinated. Primary care teams are therefore urged to help increase vaccine uptake in vulnerable groups with the often-overlooked condition of RSV causing particular concern.
‘The incidence of RSV is increasing year on year and especially in elderly and babies – especially premature babies,’ said Dr. Abhi Mantgani, from the Miriam Primary Care Group. ‘RSV vaccination is currently being promoted to age group of 75-80 years and pregnant women after 28 weeks. Pregnant women are being targeted as there is evidence that vaccinating mums reduces the serious complications of RSV in newborn babies and especially in premature babies.’
Dr. Mantgani suggests that to increase uptake, practices should have a ‘robust call and recall system to target various cohorts at risk’ and that:
‘Primary care teams should opportunistically promote and if possible, vaccinate patients. Along with nurses and allied professionals, all clinicians and other admin staff should promote the benefits of the vaccination and the protection it affords to patients.
In summary all barriers to getting the vaccination should be removed with walk in and bookable options, weekend clinics utilised if necessary.’
