With new COVID variants like Stratus and Nimbus and flu cases circulating in the UK, a hospital trust is encouraging people to get both their flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters ahead of winter. Chief Medical Officer Vanessa Purday said, “I strongly recommend as many people as possible get vaccinated this season. Don’t wait until winter peaks, get your vaccines early.”The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust noted that the best protection comes from being vaccinated well before the winter illnesses peak.Get Flu Jab Before Winter, NHS WarnsFlu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are now available for all eligible individuals to help ‘winter-proof’ the most vulnerable and support the NHS during a season expected to be busy. Teams across England are focusing on building immunity for those most at risk before December and January, when hospital admissions for respiratory viruses typically rise.Also Read: Daughter Of Kate Shemirani Passes Away From Cancer At 23, Son Says She Fell For Anti-vaxxer 'Mum's Conspiracy Theories'Early data already shows an uptick in flu cases, while COVID-19 infections have been gradually increasing over the past weeks, with hospitalizations climbing by 60%. This rise follows the appearance of the XFG variant in May. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also reported a 50% increase in rhinovirus, the virus that causes the common cold, likely linked to schools reopening after the summer break.This year, the NHS is taking extra measures to prepare for winter. Leaders have been testing winter plans through scenario exercises and empowering local teams to develop tailored strategies for their populations. Those most vulnerable to seasonal viruses are being identified to ensure they receive targeted care and timely vaccinations. For the first time, eligible individuals could book flu or COVID-19 vaccines starting 1 September, allowing more people to schedule appointments ahead of the busy winter months.Flu Jab: How To Get The Flu Vaccine?According to the NHS, if you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, you can:Contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.Book a free NHS flu jab online or via the NHS App at a participating pharmacy. Adults 18+ can use this service, and some pharmacies also vaccinate children aged 2 or 3.Walk into a participating pharmacy to get a free vaccination without an appointment (for adults 18+, with some pharmacies offering jabs for 2-3-year-olds).Other options include getting vaccinated through your maternity service, care home, or employer if you’re a frontline health or social care worker. Most school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) receive their flu vaccines at school.Covid New Strain: Is Covid More Severe During Winters?The NHS explains that COVID-19 cases and hospital deaths tend to rise in winter, but it’s complicated to say whether the virus is inherently more dangerous during the colder months. Research shows that low temperatures and humidity can make the virus more stable and easier to spread. Social and behavioral factors, such as people spending more time indoors and mixing in crowded spaces, also play a big role in the seasonal patterns of infection.
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