As winter sets in, officials at the National Health Service (NHS) are urging the public to ensure that their Covid-19 vaccinations are up-to-date. This is especially necessary for people who are more vulnerable to the disease, meaning they could get seriously ill if they catch the virus. So far, 67% of this population (people with weakened immune system) have already received their booster.
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Why it’s important
Despite this figure, the NHS is concerned that hundreds of thousands of people who are at risk and more likely to become seriously ill are yet to come forward for a vital top-up and may not be aware they have a condition that makes them eligible. NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said:
The NHS is now urging everyone to check whether they or someone they know meets the criteria – and to go on to the National Booking Service and self-declare if they are yet to do so – it could be the best gift you give a loved one this Christmas.
Vaccines save lives
The call is coming at a time when seasonal flu cases are expected to up as well as other respiratory diseases like strep-A which has killed six children in recent weeks. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines such as those for Covid-19 and influenza have been proven to save lives:
Whether against influenza or COVID-19, vaccines save lives, and they remain the best way to fight these diseases.
It takes up to 14 days to get maximum protection from a booster dose and with Christmas fast approaching, healthcare leaders are asking the public to act now ahead of the festive period.
Sources used:
NHS England: NHS encourages most vulnerable people to covid to get jabbed for winter
WHO: Keeping COVID-19 and influenza at bay this autumn/winter. Prepare, prevent, protect
