A new campaign is highlighting the importance of vaccinations for flu, COVID and RSV
NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) is urging residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated against flu, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It comes as part of the ICB’s ‘Winter Wise. Immunised!’ campaign.
The campaign aims to highlight the importance of winter vaccinations in keeping communities safe and healthy. Winter viruses spread more easily when we spend time indoors.
The NHS said that flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, especially in older adults, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions. RSV is a common virus that can be particularly dangerous for babies and older adults.
The ICB said that vaccination is the best defence as it can reduce the severity of symptoms, speed up recovery, and lower the risk of hospitalisation. Immunity fades and viruses change each year, so even if a person has been vaccinated before, it does not mean they are protected forever.
Dr Nigel Wells, family GP and NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB’s Executive Director of Clinical and Professional, said: “The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows Rhinovirus – what many of us would call the common cold – has been on the increase in recent weeks, together with COVID-19, flu and RSV. While it’s not uncommon to have these illnesses circulating more at this time of year, these viruses can pose an increased risk to people with existing long-term conditions, like heart, kidney or respiratory disease. Pregnant women are more likely to be hospitalised if they catch flu or RSV.
“On 2 January this year, more than 300 local people were seriously ill with flu in our hospitals – the equivalent of 10 full wards – so it’s definitely something people should take seriously. Vaccination is the best defence.”
Who should get vaccinated?
The ICB has released information on who should get vaccinated. This is as follows:
- Flu: Pregnant women, children aged 2–16, people aged 65+, those with long-term health conditions, carers, care home residents, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals, and frontline health and social care workers.
- COVID-19: People aged 75+, care home residents, and those who are immunosuppressed (aged six months+).
- RSV: Pregnant women (from 28 weeks onwards) and adults aged 75–79
How to get vaccinated
To check eligibility for the free flu and COVID vaccines, residents should find their nearest vaccination centre. This can be found by visiting this link.
Pregnant women who have not been offered the RSV vaccine around the 28-week antenatal appointment should contact their maternity service to book. Those aged 75-79 should contact their GP surgery to book the RSV vaccination.
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