"Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19 this autumn", Director of Public Health urges communities

Professor Tracy Daszkiewicz, Director of Public Health in Gwent explains, “It is essential for everyone who is eligible to have the Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations, especially those who are clinically at risk to protect themselves from flu this Winter by having the free flu vaccine. Getting a vaccination doesn’t just protect yourself, it also protects those around you.

For those with existing health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or COPD the flu can lead to serious complications, even hospitalisation, it is vital anyone who may be clinically at risk have their vaccinations. The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself. Although some may suffer mild side effects, catching flu this Winter could be much worse. Do not delay, get protect right away”. 

For the latest information, including who is eligible for the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines visit: Immunisations - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (nhs.wales)

Flu can be life threatening for people especially those with certain health conditions. That’s why public health experts in Wales are encouraging all those who are eligible, especially those who are clinically at risk to ensure they get vaccinated against the flu as well as COVID-19 this autumn. It will help protect them from getting secondary infections.

Over 467,000 people in Wales are classed as clinically at risk, this includes people with conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, liver or respiratory disease.

Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness for people with certain long-term health conditions. For example, there are over 99,000 people living with diabetes in Wales. They are 6 times more likely to die from flu and are also at high risk from COVID-19. There are over 12,000 people with liver disease in Wales. If you have liver disease you are 48 times more likely to die from flu and are also at high risk from COVID-19 (See more examples in Notes for Editors below). There are over 14,000 people in Wales with kidney disease. They are 19 times more likely to die from flu and are also at high risk from COVID-19.

Flu and Covid-19 spread more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors with others. In Wales last year, nearly 2,000 people were admitted to hospital with flu. People with long-term conditions can reduce their chances of being hospitalised from flu by up to a third, just by getting vaccinated.

Getting vaccinated remains our best line of defence against serious disease. Catching the flu can lead to secondary infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Flu viruses change quickly, so every year an updated vaccine is needed to offer protection. Topping up your COVID-19 vaccination will reduce serious symptoms and speed up your recovery if you do catch COVID-19. This protection will last through winter.

Vaccinating children not only protects them, but also older relatives, the wider community and the NHS. All school aged children will be offered the flu vaccine this year, as well as 2 and 3 year olds, those clinically at risk or over 65 and frontline health and social care workers.

GP's and the Health Board will contact those who are eligible with details of when and where they can be vaccinated. People are advised to come forward as soon as possible once they have been contacted to receive their vaccination.

With winter pressures anticipated for the NHS, it is more important than ever that those who are eligible for a free flu or Covid-19 vaccine get vaccinated to help prevent them becoming seriously unwell and protect the NHS this winter.

For the latest information, including who is eligible for the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines visit: Immunisations - Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (nhs.wales)