Promotional video launch for flu jabs

PEOPLE in the West Midlands who are eligible for the free flu vaccine and Covid-19 booster jab are being urged to book their appointments as soon as possible in a new film campaign launched aiming to help people give themselves and their loved ones the best possible protection this winter.

The new film sees media medics Dr Amir Khan, Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Karan Ranj explain why it is more important than ever for people to get their winter vaccines as soon as possible this autumn, as both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation.

The campaign is launched as new research suggests that adults in England are severely underestimating the combined threat of Covid-19 and flu this winter.

There could be a significant flu surge coinciding with continuing or rising Covid cases. This is due to colder weather which favours transmission, darker nights which mean increased social contact indoors where it is less well ventilated and expected lower immunity to flu due to lower levels in circulation last winter.

Consultant in communicable disease control and lead consultant on flu at UKHSA West Midlands, Dr James Chipwete, said: “Due to the lifting of Covid restrictions, we may face a rise in flu cases this winter in the West Midlands, compared to the low levels we had last year. Both flu and Covid-19 will be circulating together and both viruses can cause serious illness and hospitalisation.

“The best protection we have against both flu and Covid-19 is to get vaccinated.”