RSPH urges those at risk to be vaccinated, as a winter ‘tripledemic” looms.

Those who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill this winter with flu should get vaccinated immediately.

The Royal Society for Public Health issued the warning after data from previous winters showed a steep decline in the number eligible people deemed ‘at-risk’ getting vaccinated. This trend is expected to continue into this winter.

At risk people are under 65 years old. They are more likely to be hospitalised and suffer from severe flu symptoms. People with certain conditions, such as:

• A serious chest or heart condition including COPD and asthma;
• Serious kidney disease
• diabetes;
• Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment, such as cancer treatment or steroid medication;
• Stroke victims are at risk.

The target for vaccination coverage by NHS England for those at high risk of influenza is 75%. Every local authority in England was well below the target rate of vaccinations for people last winter. Last year, the average vaccination rate for this group was 40% in England.

RSPH stated that London is experiencing a particularly severe situation. Last winter, the majority of London’s 32 boroughs had a poverty rate below 40% and some were even below 30%.

The warning is in response to reports that a ‘tripledemic of influenza, respiratory syncytial (RSV) and Covid are putting massive pressure on NHS. The RSPH says that the flu season will continue well into next year, and it’s not too late to get the vaccine for those at greatest risk.

UK Health Security Agency data show that in the last two winters, at least 18 000 deaths have been associated with influenza. This is despite the fact that last winter was a mild season. Flu vaccines are available for free at GPs, pharmacies, and other locations to those who are at risk.

William Roberts, RSPH’s chief executive, stated: “Vaccines are effective.” They are among the most powerful public health prevention tools at our disposal.

The flu vaccine is an effective, safe and simple way to protect people who are at high risk of becoming seriously ill or ending up in the hospital. We urge anyone who is eligible to make an appointment as quickly as possible.

As our research has shown it is vital to provide reliable information on vaccine efficacy where people live. Roberts said that it is important to provide people with the information needed to make informed decisions about vaccines, whether they are in schools, libraries or places of worship.