Health experts say that millions of Brits are risking severe illness during this winter’s predicted ‘tripledemic’ because they are unvaccinated.
It comes amid growing fears that the UK is facing a new covid variant, and a huge surge in flu cases and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
This type of ‘triple threat’ is exactly why the NHS offers vaccines to people who risk getting seriously unwell, such as those with compromised immune systems, obesity or breathing difficulties.
In the UK, 2.8 million people are eligible for a Covid jab – and another 4.2 million for a flu jab – because of existing health issues. However, public health officials are concerned many aren’t taking up the call.
New data reveals that over the past two years, around 18,000 people died of flu. However, researchers have found that as many as one in four high-risk patients may be planning to turn down any vaccination they are offered, reports the Mail Online.
One of the biggest risk factors is being overweight. More than two million people in the UK are now considered to be morbidly obese, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher.
Under the current NHS guidelines, people who are morbidly obese are eligible for a free Covid and flu jab. They are not eligible for the RSV jab – this is only offered to the elderly.
However, a new survey found that a quarter of 3,000 people with underlying health conditions were shunning vaccinations.
Despite their vaccine hesitancy, around 50 percent of those with high-risk conditions were concerned they might catch an illness like flu or Covid-19 in the coming months.
The research was commissioned by vaccine manufacturer Moderna UK and carried out OnePoll.com. Dr Philip Cruz, medical director at Moderna UK, said it’s “important” that people from high-risk groups “prioritise their health” – especially in the autumn and winter.
He said respiratory illnesses like Covid-19 and flu could be particularly dangerous for high-risk groups. The man from Moderna said: “Vaccinations are an important tool to help reduce these risks and protect the most vulnerable.”
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England, also said the winter vaccination programme “offers vital protection to people who need it most” and “saves lives”.
She also said “it helps the NHS by reducing hospital admissions and easing pressure on services that are already incredibly busy”.
Dr Charles-Ozuzu, added: “‘If invited, please don’t delay – get the vaccines. And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns, please speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist.”
Professor Paul Gately, CEO of Obesity UK, told The Sun that people with a BMI over 40 were most at risk of being overlooked. he said that many in this group did not realise they are eligible for these vaccines because their weight alone puts them at a higher risk of severe outcomes.
Professor Paul Gately explained that obesity can impair lung function, weaken the immune response and increase the likelihood of inflammation. All of these factors can make respiratory infections more severe, said Prof Gately.