Why Swindon children are being urged to get flu vaccination

Woman is laying on a couch with a tissue in her mouth. A cup of tea is on a table next to her <i>(Image: Getty Images)</i>
Woman is laying on a couch with a tissue in her mouth. A cup of tea is on a table next to her (Image: Getty Images)
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Health officials are urging vulnerable people to get vaccinated ahead of a flu season which is expected to be "particularly severe".

While the uptake of flu vaccinations among over 65s in Wiltshire is the best in the South West, vaccination levels of school children in Swindon remains below the national average.

The UK Health Security Agency says the uptake of vaccinations by eligible groups in Swindon and Wiltshire 'shows progress' but is not as high as the public body would like.

Flu levels are continuing to increase across the UK, with thousands of hospitalisations occurring every year.

The UKSHA says vaccinations offer the best form of protection ahead of anticipated parties and social gatherings.

Eligible groups for free flu vaccination include children aged 2-17 years, adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people with certain long-term health conditions, frontline health and social care workers, carers, and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.

In children the vaccine is delivered by nasal spray.

Among primary school aged children, 34.6 per cent had been vaccinated by October 31 - above the national average of 32.6 per cent - but in Swindon only 24.6 had been vaccinated - the lowest uptake in the South West.

Pensioners are the best-protected group.

Among the over-65s, 62.4 per cent in Wiltshire, had been vaccinated by October 31 and in Swindon 59.1 per cent had received their jab –above the England average of 55.1.

Among vulnerable adults under 65, though, the uptake was far lower - just 26.8 per cent in Wiltshire and 24.6 per cent in Swindon. That, though, is still above the England average of 20.9.

And among pregnant women, 43.6 per cent in Wiltshire and 37.9 per cent in Swindon had received the vaccination by October 31 – above the national average of 33.8 per cent.

Dr Fiona Neely, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West, said: "Christmas is a time for bringing families together, but winter viruses don't take a holiday.

"It is encouraging to see the South West leading the way in protecting our communities against flu this winter. However, with Christmas approaching and flu levels rising, we need more eligible people to come forward for their free vaccination.

“It takes around two weeks to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so getting vaccinated now means you will have protection in place when it matters most. It is not too late to get your jab and help ensure everyone can enjoy the festive season safely."

Dr Matthew Dominey, consultant in public health and screening, and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: “As we head into the festive season, many of us will be coming together with our friends and family, increasing the risk of flu spreading.

"Although many eligible people have already come forward for their flu vaccine, levels of flu are continuing to rise in our communities.

“The flu vaccine is our best defence against flu, and if you’re vaccinated, you’re much less likely to end up in hospital.

"It can take up to two weeks to fully benefit from a flu vaccine, so getting vaccinated now means you’ll have the best protection over the festive period, protecting yourself and your loved ones.

“There are still plenty of opportunities to get your free NHS flu vaccine through walk-in clinics, GP appointments and at your local pharmacy. Get yours now.”

Free vaccines against Covid-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus - a contagious virus that can give sufferers severe breathing problems - are also available for vulnerable groups.

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