EVERY winter vulnerable groups are urged to go and get a flu jab to protect them from influenza, but how can having a flu jab help in the fight against Covid? 

Free flu jabs have been made available to the vulnerable and care workers, whilst the public can still get one if they pay for it. 

Influenza and Covid-19 could be circulating at the same time meaning flu jabs are more vital than ever this year to avoid confusion between the two, to protect society's most vulnerable and relieve additional pressure on the NHS. 

If you've had Covid-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It'll be effective at helping to prevent flu and this also his helps to reduce pressure on the NHS and social care staff who may be dealing with coronavirus.

Who is eligible for a jab?

The flu vaccination programme has been expanded this year so more people than ever will be eligible for a vaccine – up to 30 million people in England.

The flu vaccine is available to people who:

  • are 65 and over (including those who'll be 65 by 31 March 2021)
  • have certain health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • are in a long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • live with someone who's at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list)
  • frontline health or social care workers

If you're aged 50 to 64 and have a health condition that means you're more at risk from flu, you should get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Higher risks with flu and Covid 

Those infected with both flu and Covid-19 have a serious increased risk of death, Public Health England (PHE) said last month.

A study showed that during the first peak of the pandemic, people who were infected with both the new coronavirus and flu had a significantly higher risk of death.

While the numbers were small, the risk of death was nearly six times greater among those co-infected compared to the general population.

The risk of death was also higher compared to being infected with Covid-19 alone.

Flu usually kills around 11,000 people each year in England and many more are hospitalised.

People more susceptible to the effects of flu are also more at risk from Covid-19, officials said.

Where to get a flu jab 

You can get a flu jab at your GP surgery, a pharmacy offering the service or your midwifery service if you're pregnant.

Boots offers free jabs to those in the NHS at-risk groups but also allows the public to book and pay privately for a vaccine. 

Asda Pharmacy has also launched the UK’s first-ever drive-through flu jab service to help people get vaccinated without exposing themselves to Covid. 'Drive-flu' sites include South Shields and Hartlepool along with other sites across the county.