One of Wales’ most senior doctors is concerned that those at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and COVID-19, have not yet taken up their offer of vaccination this year.
The most recent data shows that less than 30 per cent of eligible young adults have not come forward for a free flu jab. 62 per cent of those aged 65 and over have been vaccinated.
Deputy chief medical officer for Wales, Dr. Keith Reid, said: “The flu is not just a ‘bad cold’ for people with chronic health conditions. Without vaccination, it could mean serious illness and an emergency admission to hospital.
“We know many young people with conditions like asthma or diabetes haven’t got this vital protection yet.
“The peak virus season is close. Now is the time to come forward for your flu and COVID-19 jabs if you’re eligible.
“It’s free, it’s safe, and it’s the best way to shield yourself from serious complications. It’s now more convenient as you can get both vaccinations at the same time.”
Health and social care workers are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated in order to protect their health while caring for others.
Cabinet secretary for health and social care, Jeremy Miles, said: “We are hugely fortunate in Wales to have a national flu vaccination programme to protect those most at risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus.
“The programme is also available to health and social care workers to ensure they stay well over the difficult winter months.
'I would encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward to get protected as soon as possible.”
Since the pandemic, there has been a share decrease in flu circulation, largely due to measures and restrictions in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, but more recently, the number of people experiencing serious illness has risen.
The director of the Wales National Influenza Centre, Professor Catherine Moore, said: “Since the pandemic we’ve seen influenza return to circulation, with more people being admitted to hospital with complications, some which could have been prevented by vaccination.
“Every winter we see increased hospitalisation and intensive care treatment of people with neurological, chronic respiratory, liver and cardiac conditions, during to complications of the flue or because it has worsened a previously-known illness. Sadly, a proportion of these people will die as a result.
“For diabetic people, flu can lead to a reduction in blood glucose levels and is linked to a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) — a medical emergency.
“There’s also significant concern if mothers contract the flu in late pregnancy, as there’s a higher risk of pneumonia, and has been linked to premature births. Vaccination goes beyond protecting the new mother but shields the baby in the first few months of life.”
Anyone eligible for the COVID-19 or flu vaccine still has time to get protected before the peak of the season.