By Talking Health TV –
As the 2024 winter flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme rolls out, AGE UK is urging older people to protect their health by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
With respiratory illnesses posing significant risks, the charity stresses the importance of staying well through the colder months.
Importance of Vaccination
By getting vaccinated, those most at risk from respiratory illnesses can prevent winter bugs from developing into more serious conditions, thereby minimising hospitalisations.
Studies indicate that older people, especially those with underlying health conditions, are highly susceptible to the severe impacts of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses.
Rising RSV Hospital Admissions
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that older age groups had the highest hospital admission rates for influenza between December 2023 and May 2024, with those aged 85 and above being the most affected.
Hospital admissions for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have also surged since October 2024.
For example, admissions in the 65-74 age group jumped from 0.3 per 100,000 patients in mid-October to 2.92 per 100,000 by late November.
The 75-84 age group saw an increase from 0.5 to 5.95 per 100,000 patients, while the 85+ group experienced a rise from 1.27 to 14.05 per 100,000 patients during the same period.
Despite the risks, influenza vaccine uptake among the 65+ age group has been lower during the 2024-2025 season compared to the previous year.
However, the vaccine’s effectiveness against hospitalisation remains significant at 30% for those aged 65 and above.
New RSV Vaccination
For the first time, the NHS is offering vaccines for RSV, a common but potentially dangerous virus for older people.
This vaccine is available to all adults turning 75 on or after 1 September, with a one-off catch-up campaign for those aged 75-79 years old as of 31 August 2024.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered simultaneously, but the RSV vaccine will be given on a separate day.
A Message from AGE UK
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at AGE UK, emphasised the urgency of getting vaccinated: “This winter is shaping up to be another worrying one for many older people as they struggle to balance keeping warm with the cost of energy, changes in eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, and the rising cost of food.
“But having our vaccines when they are offered is something we can all do to help avoid serious illnesses, particularly as the weather turns cold.”
She also advises taking other preventative measures such as managing long-term conditions, staying warm, eating well, and maintaining good hygiene.
“If you’re eligible for a vaccine, we urge you to do everything you can to protect your health and take up the opportunity when it is offered,” Abrahams added.
“I am certainly doing so and I hope you will too.”
While RSV may cause cold-like symptoms for some, it can lead to more serious infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Currently, the vaccine is offered to a specific age group due to limited evidence on its effectiveness in older populations.
The eligibility may be extended in the future based on the outcomes of the initial roll-out.
How to Get Vaccinated
For the RSV vaccine, eligible individuals will be contacted by their GP to make an appointment.
For the winter COVID-19 and flu vaccines, anyone eligible for the vaccinations can book their appointments through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.
The vaccinations provide essential protection to help prevent serious illnesses and hospitalisations during the busy winter months.
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