With flu cases continuing to rise in Lincolnshire, the NHS in the county is urging eligible people to have their flu vaccination sooner rather than later.
Although there is an expectation that cases will peak in the next week or two, across the East Midlands case numbers are four times higher than they were this time last year (as of Monday 6th January).
In addition, hospitals in Lincolnshire remain under considerable pressure as respiratory illnesses including flu continue to circulate, resulting in some people becoming very ill.
“It’s winter and the situation in our hospitals is challenging to say the least. Whilst we are beginning to see some encouraging signs, in terms of flu cases hopefully peaking shortly, people can still do their bit by getting a flu vaccination if they are eligible,” comments Steve Clapton, Head of Immunisation and Screening, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
With numbers of Covid-19 and RSV cases in Lincolnshire and across the region now reducing, the focus of the NHS in the county will remain, out of necessity, firmly on flu.
“What is particularly concerning is not just that there are still a number of people in our hospitals with flu, although they are not necessarily in hospital because of flu, but that our hospital colleagues are reporting they are seeing people walking in who are often quite seriously ill as a result of flu,” adds Steve.
It usually takes around two weeks after a flu jab to have maximum protection, meaning anyone who is still to be vaccinated should be able to achieve this by the end of January.
“Flu vaccinations will be available until 31st March. Although they can no longer be booked online, you can still call 119 who can help signpost you to a local community pharmacy providing them. Alternatively, you can search online for a local pharmacy offering flu vaccinations,” explains Steve.
Covid-19 vaccinations are still available – you can find more information on our ‘Grab a jab’ page including a link to find a walk-in Covid-19 vaccination site.
As well as flu and Covid-19, people with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are being reminded they are at high risk during the colder winter months and, if they haven’t already done so and are eligible, should have the one-off pneumococcal vaccination, which is available from GP practices and local community pharmacies that offer a vaccination service.