Experts warn that this winter could see an increase in both Covid and flu infections. Dubbed the “twindemic”, the two viruses could put even more pressure on the National Health Service. Although the covid shot is one of the main weapons against the virus, many seniors are refusing it.
Worryingly, today’s rising cases appear to be mainly targeting older Britons, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
The ONS found that the recent Covid outbreak is being driven by the over-70s, with many missing out on their autumn boost.
This is a stark contrast compared to previous waves that began by targeting younger demographics.
The latest test figures revealed that an estimated 1.3 million people in the UK had the virus in the week before September 24.
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In addition, the most up-to-date figures from NHS England suggest that hospital admissions have also reached a record high, with 9,631 infected people in hospital beds on 5 October.
This represents a 37 percent increase compared to the last highest figure, which was recorded in August.
Next week, the NHS will start sending invitations for booster shots as emails, letters and texts to around six million eligible Britons.
Eligible groups include those at higher risk of Covid or the over 65s.
However, so far only 6.6 million of the 26 million eligible have had their boost.
Experts are currently concerned that not enough over-70s have had their extra shot, particularly as case rates appear to be highest in that age group.
The ONS estimates that one in 40 people over 70 had the virus in their last weekly survey.
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, said: “The NHS Covid vaccination program remains the fastest and largest vaccination program in the history of the health services and, thanks to the incredible hard work by frontline staff and volunteers, it has now delivered more than twice as many autumn boosters as last year, with more than twice as many people invited to come forward.
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“We’ve also made it easier than ever to get a Covid shot, with a record number of vaccine sites across the country, from pharmacies to other local community centres.
“Anyone eligible for their next dose should come forward and protect themselves as soon as possible, either online or by calling 119.”
Is the Covid vaccine safe?
All major health bodies agree that shots are not only safe, but also reduce the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19.
In addition, all jabs had to go through several stages of rigorous clinical trials before being approved for use.
Although they can cause certain side effects, like any other medicine, not everyone develops these unwanted effects, according to the NHS.
How to get a Covid booster
Since the autumn boost was launched a month ago, the NHS has already delivered more than five million ‘life-saving’ autumn top-ups.
However, not everyone can book now – for example, people aged 50-64 will have to wait until the autumn of 2022, according to NHS England.
Anyone who is eligible can book online by calling 119, or patients can visit their local clinic.
Don’t forget to check if your local site is still open before you visit, as many sites have closed since the initial vaccination launch.
Remember to leave at least 12 weeks between your last dose and a booster.