Bolton people less likely to take up flu jab figures suggest

People aged over 65, clinically at-risk under-65s, pregnant women and two- to three-year-olds are encouraged to get the flu jab as they are at higher risk of complications from the virus.

And new figures from the UK Health Security Agency show 66,267 in these groups in Bolton had received the jab up to the end of December.

It meant 57.5 per cent of the 115,325 patients at higher risk from flu registered at GP surgeries in the area were vaccinated by this point – down from 59.6 per cent at the same point last winter.

However, this is above the vaccination level seen before the coronavirus pandemic – 56.9 per cent received the jab by the end of December 2019.

In England, 62.2 per cent of people in higher risk groups had received the jab by the end of last year – down from 64.9 per cent the previous year, but still above pre-pandemic levels of 56.8 per cent.

The figures come after flu cases soared during December, with the NHS urging people to get the jab if they have not already.

Read more: Royal Bolton Hospital patients waited 12 hours on trolley beds in corridors

Read more: Medical college 'travel plan' to create new shuttle bus and hospital parking spaces

Bolton Council's Executive Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Cllr Susan Baines, said: "People need to realise that flu can be a serious and, in some cases, a life-threatening condition, especially for the elderly and for those who already suffer from a pre-existing medical condition. 

“I would urge anyone in the "free flu" vaccination categories to get their flu jab, to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

“Vaccination does not prevent flu, but it can reduce the debilitating symptoms and lead to recovery sooner.

“Flu is highly contagious and so if you experience symptoms, please stay at home, keep warm, rest, and ensure you drink plenty of fluids.

“Simple analgesics such as paracetamol can help if you are able to take these.

“Consult with your pharmacy for advice on any medication. 

“Importantly, if symptoms persist or worsen, such as having difficulty with breathing, seek prompt medical advice.

“If people are not eligible to get a free NHS flu jab, they can book an appointment to get one in places such as Boots. The average cost is around £9.95.

“The more of us who are vaccinated against flu, the less strain there will be on NHS services and our Bolton hospital.”

 Across the country, an average of 2,224 hospital beds per day up to January 29 were occupied by a patient suffering from flu.

NHS England said lower vaccination rates were not to blame for the rise in flu numbers, instead attributing it to increased infection in the community following two winters of reduced activity during the pandemic.

Read more: Olympian inspires the next generation at this Bolton primary school

Read more: New house to be built in Blackrod despite 8 objections

Fewer adults in Bolton have received a vaccination this winter, while the number of children vaccinated has also dropped.

Some 30.9 per cent of registered two and three-year-olds in the area had received a flu jab by the end of December, down from 36.5 per cent last winter and 33.4 per cent in December 2019.

An NHS spokesperson urged pregnant women, parents of young children and those at risk to receive the jab this winter.

Sarah Scobie, deputy director of research at health think tank, the Nuffield Trust, said: "The resurgence of flu this winter, mixed with continuing hospitalisations from Covid-19, other respiratory illnesses and cold weather all fed into intolerable pressure health and care services have seen this winter.

"The uptake of the flu vaccine across several vaccinated groups has been lower than last year but is standing up against pre-pandemic levels."

The latest NHS England figures suggest the winter peak has passed as flu infection rates continue to fall.

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: "While flu levels continue to fall, winter is not over yet and we need to guard against further surges, and vaccination is our best defence against flu.

"Getting the vaccine when you are pregnant can protect you and your baby against potentially serious complications.

"Young children are also particularly vulnerable to serious illness from flu, so if you or your children are eligible, it’s still not too late to get vaccinated."

If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.