Record numbers offered flu vaccine

New research from Public Health England (PHE) suggests the risk of death more than doubled for people who tested positive for both flu and COVID-19, compared to those with COVID-19 alone. The research, looking at cases between January and April this year, also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness. Most cases of co-infection were in older people and more than half of them died.

Every year, thousands of people in Scotland are hospitalised with flu and more people than ever will be offered the free flu vaccine this year, with eligibility extending to 55 to 64 year olds, households of those previously shielding and social care workers. The message to all eligible groups this year, especially due to the presence of COVID-19, is that it’s more important than ever to receive the flu vaccine. More information can be found on the NHS Inform website.

Source: PHE, 22 September 2020