Malton MP urging people to get the flu jab ahead of winter

The programme of vaccination comes as new research from Public Health England suggests that people who tested positive for both flu and Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to die, compared to those with Covid-19 alone.

The research also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness.

This year the flu vaccinations are being offered to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services. The health system is working to provide the free flu vaccine to 30 million people, including:

○ All primary school children, and, for the first time, Year 7 children.

○ Two and three-olds.

○ The most vulnerable people, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnancy women.

○ Household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for.

Mr Hollinrake said “This is really very important. As we approach the winter, it is imperative that everyone who needs a flu vaccination takes up the offer to have one, so I am appealing to everyone who is eligible to do so and this could make a big difference if they also catch coronavirus in the months ahead.

“I know that the spread of covid has caused considerable anxiety for the elderly, the vulnerable and those with long-term health conditions over the last few months so the flu vaccination offer will give some peace of mind and I hope people in North Yorkshire will take advantage of it.”