Manchester’s public health chief is urging people to take up the Autum Covid booster offer and the flu vaccination to avoid the potential ‘twindemic’ of catching both viruses at the same time.
After two years where the country has seen flu cases at historic lows- probably due to isolating and social distancing – there is evidence it is returning this year starting now in the southern hemisphere. This is alongside the predicted rise in Covid numbers as we approach Winter.
Those eligible, which includes everyone over 50, are urged to get both the Autumn Covid booster and the flu vaccine so that they not only avoid getting ill themselves, but also so that they don’t pass either virus to anyone else, or need hospital treatment.
David Regan, Director of Public Health for Manchester, said: “We do expect high levels of Covid again this winter. That, coupled with the risk of flu means that we all have to do everything possible to stop people becoming seriously ill and it’s even more important that we protect those most at risk.
“Many people will think they don’t need another vaccine because they have already had Covid, or the vaccine didn’t stop them from getting the virus. But, immunity wears off and even if the vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the virus, it should stop you from getting it as badly and reduce the risk of Long Covid.
“And if new variants arrive in time to cause widespread infection, boosters for older adults and those with health conditions will also be critical in reducing pressure on hospital services, too.”
