Breaking: The UK faces the dual threat of a perhaps severe flu season and a five-day strike by junior doctors, escalating pressures on the National Health Service.
The British Medical Association’s (BMA) resident doctors confirmed they will proceed with industrial action over pay and working conditions,rejecting an offer from Health Secretary Wes Streeting that would have seen ministers cover training and exam costs in exchange for calling off the strikes.
Simultaneously, NHS England is making 2.4 million flu vaccination slots available next week, urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated as concerns mount over a particularly virulent strain circulating earlier than usual. Flu vaccines are recommended for all those over 65, health and social care staff, children, and under-65s with underlying health conditions.
Health officials are warning of a potentially devastating winter, with fears this flu season could be worse than last. Elaine Clancy, chief nursing officer at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier hospitals, stated, “Last flu season was particularly nasty and we’re very concerned that this year could be even worse; we’re preparing for a spike of flu onto our wards.” She added, “We see people dying every year from flu and sadly thousands more will likely die this year.I strongly recommend booking your jab now,as it takes up to 14 days to fully kick in.”
Uptake of the flu vaccine among vulnerable groups remains a concern. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that of the nine million under-65s with long-term health conditions eligible for a free NHS jab, less than half received one last year. Vaccination rates among those over 65 are also down, with 62% vaccinated so far this year compared to 75% last year.
Dr.Gayatri Amirthalingam,deputy director for immunisation at UKHSA,emphasized the importance of vaccination,saying,”Every year we see many thousands of people with a long-term health condition being seriously ill in hospital from flu and tragically too many dying,when for many this could be potentially prevented by vaccination.” She urged those eligible to “book your vaccine appointment today, as flu is spreading now.”
Dr. Suzanna McDonald, national lead for the influenza programme at UKHSA, warned, “Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks. Many people frequently enough think they have flu when they only have a bad cold. If you get flu, it is nasty and for some more vulnerable it can be deadly.”
