Damian Hinds MP: Getting Your Flu Jab Could Save a Life
As colder months approach, posters are appearing in GP surgeries and pharmacies urging people to get their flu jab. Each year, the NHS encourages the public to protect themselves from seasonal flu and, more recently, Covid-19.
For some individuals, these illnesses can lead to serious complications and hospitalisation, adding pressure to NHS services that are already stretched during winter.
Vaccination Rates in Hampshire
Hampshire’s vaccination rates among older adults surpass the national average, with over 65% of those aged 65 and above receiving their flu vaccine.
However, vaccination uptake among younger children remains below expectations. Just under 60% of Hampshire children aged two to three have been vaccinated, which is less than the World Health Organization’s target of 75%.
Focus on Young Children
Children under five have some of the highest hospital admission rates for flu. Since early October, parents have been able to get their two- and three-year-olds vaccinated at community pharmacies, a measure aimed at increasing uptake this year.
The Importance of Vaccination
Vaccination is one of modern medicine’s greatest public health achievements, saving lives daily and preventing the spread of infectious diseases worldwide.
Lessons from Measles
“Measles, however, is a stark reminder that progress can be undone. Once considered eliminated in England, with no reported cases in 2018, the disease has since returned.”
By 2021, England lost its ‘measles elimination status’, with outbreaks spreading across the country.
This highlights the continuing need for vigilance and vaccination efforts to maintain control over infectious diseases.
Author’s summary: Getting the flu jab protects not only individuals but also helps reduce hospital pressures and prevent disease outbreaks, emphasizing the vital role of vaccinations.