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By John Ely Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline 11:58 27 Nov 2023, updated 11:59 27 Nov 2023
Two thirds of frontlineNHSstaff have shunned Covid and flu vaccines this winter, MailOnline can reveal.
Only21.8 per cent have so far had a Covid booster, according to latest data on the health service's staff vaccination campaign.
Meanwhile, flu jab uptake sits at 28.9 per cent.
It suggests, at best, only slightly more than a fifth have had both.
Figures for both jabs are far below the heady heights recorded just a few years ago.
NHS bosses have now written to all health service leaders across the country asking them to make every effort to boost uptake among their workers.
Experts told MailOnline the figures were 'extremely worrying' and would 'inevitably' result in patients getting infected, straining NHS services even further.
Others, however, called the figures an example of 'vaccine fatigue' among staff who have faced repeated calls to get the voluntary jabs.
Concerns have also been raised that the low uptake is a result of NHS hospitals not making it easy enough for staff to roll up their sleeves, with workers simply too busy to get jabbed.
The latest figures for NHS frontline staff vaccination are significantly lower than last year. They cover staff who have face-to-face contact with patients and are dated up to the end of October.
However, not every trust is represented in the figures so they only show a snapshot of current uptake across England.
In comparison to this year's data, by the end of October last year 30.9 per cent of staff had got the flu jab, and 28.8 per cent a Covid booster.
It also represents a further decline from the heights observed in previous years.
In 2021, four out of 10 staff were fully jabbed against Covid by the end of October that year, with eight in 10 having received at least one dose.
And in 2020 over half of all frontline staff had opted to get the flu jab.
NHS leaders, including the health service's most senior doctor and nurse,Professor Sir Stephen Powis andDame Ruth May, wrote to trusts last week outlining the importance of staff vaccine uptake to 'keep the NHS strong over winter'.
'All eligible frontline health and social care professionals, including clinical and non-clinical staff who have direct contact with patients, should be offered both the flu and Covid vaccines ahead of winter,' the letter reads.
It continues: 'Employers must make every effort to ensure that eligible frontline staff are offered and easily able to access their vaccine, and are encouraged to do so.'
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist based at Warwick University, said the lowvaccine uptake among NHS frontline staff was 'extremely worrying'.
'This will inevitably result in more Covid and flu infections in both NHS staff and patients,' he said.
He added sickness was only aspect of the problem, with resulting staff absence also piling pressure on the health service.
'As we are confronted with the emergence of new Covid variants and the increased spread of respiratory infections over the winter months, the low level of vaccination in healthcare workers will put even more pressure on the NHS as staff take time off work due to infection.
'There appears to be significant complacency amongst the general public about Covid and a lack of public health messaging.'
Professor Young said the merits of getting jabbed needed to be highlighted to both NHS staff and the public alike.
'Many in our society remain susceptible to the development of severe disease due to Covid and flu and there is increasing data about the harmful long-term effects of Covid infection,' he said.
Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in infectious diseases from the University of East Anglia, said the data uncovered by MailOnline reflected 'vaccine fatigue' among NHS staff.
'These figures arent really that much of a surprise,' he said.
'Higher vaccine uptakes occur when people consider themselves at risk and, given almost all people in the UK have had at least one and many have had multiple Covid infections, anxiety about personal risk is low.
'I suspect the lower than pre-pandemic levels for flu reflect a degree of vaccine fatigue.'
He added that despite people now being much safer from Covid than previously, this doesn't mean it won't affect the health service.
'We saw this to a certain extent last winter when the pressure from Covid on the health services came not so much from patients being admitted with Covid but from staff having to be absent from work for a week or more even if not particularly unwell,' he said.
Professor Robert Dingwall, a sociologist at Nottingham Trent University who advised the Government on the virus during the pandemic, said that vaccine fatigue might not be the only factor at play.
He said previous UK research has shown its more about NHS leaders make getting jabs easy for busy staff.
'If the vaccinations happened close to wards and ward sisters were supportive of staff taking time out to go for the vaccination, uptake was quite good,' he said.
'However, where hospitals expected staff to go for vaccinations in their own time, sometimes on a different site with parking issues, or ward sisters thought the service was too busy to release people, vaccination rates were low.'
Professor Dingwall said it was likely the latter, as well as staff getting jabbed outside the health service and NHS data not catching up, that was behind the low uptake.
'I strongly suspect that hospitals are working flat out and short-staffed, making it difficult to release people to attend vaccination clinics,' he said.
'Tired employees may also be reluctant to give up their own time to track down a vaccination site, or prefer to use one convenient for them rather than one that will be counted in these statistics.'
Vaccination uptake varies across the country according to the official data, with 76 and 58 per cent of NHS organisations providing data on flu and Covid jab uptake respectively.
Of those that did, The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust recorded the lowest flu jab uptake, with only one in 20 of 4,700 frontline staff getting the vaccine.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust had the lowest Covid vaccine uptake, with just four of 3,773 frontline staff getting the jab (0.1 per cent).
In contrast, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recorded both the highest flu jab (62.7 per cent) and Covid booster (52.6 per cent) among 9,000-plus staff.
Frontline health care staff are considered a priority for annual vaccination campaigns.
This is to help reduce the risk of them inadvertently transferring an infection like flu or Covid to a vulnerable patient as well as stop staff needing to time off from work.
Such an infection might occur before an NHS worker starts showing symptoms, meaning there is no advanced warning they could give the disease to a patient.
While most Brits will shrug off Covid and flu after a period of short illness such infections can cause serious illness in vulnerable people.
Such groups include the elderly and those with health conditions that weaken their immune system, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
On the figures an NHS England spokesperson also told MailOnline: 'Both flu and Covid have a serious impact on the health of thousands of people every year, and the NHS needs as many of its staff as possible to be fighting fit over winter when the health service comes under pressure.
'Vaccination is our best defence against flu and Covid, and we urge anyone eligible who has not been vaccinated to come forward as soon as possible it could save your life.'
(Precision Vaccinations News)
In response to the ongoingHighly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreak in the western United States, tenvaccinated juvenile California condors will be released in the San Simeon mountains from November28 to December12, 2023.
The Condors were vaccinated witha killed, inactivated product conditionally licensed by the Center for Veterinary Biologics in 2016. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has testedHAPI vaccine candidates on vultures in North Carolina for months.
This 'bird-flu' vaccineis designed to protectbirds, not humans.
The U.S. government has already approved abird flu vaccinefor people and continues to invest in newer avian influenza vaccine candidates.
On November 23, 2023, John Fitzrandolph reported for The San Luis Obispo Tribunethat 21 condors died from HAPI infections in Arizona earlier in 2023. Currently, the total population of condors isestimated at 347 birds in the wild spread across California, Arizona, and Baja, Mexico.
TheCalifornia Condor Recovery Programis an international multi-entity effort to recover the endangered California condor.was last updated in November 2023.
The program aimsto take steps toward recovery by establishing two geographically distinct, self-sustaining populations, each with 150 birds in the wild and at least 15 breeding pairs, with a third population of condors retained in captivity.
California condors,members of the vulture family Cathartidae, areone of the largest flying birds in North America, with a wingspan of nearly 10 feet.
In the wild, California condors may live up to 60 years. They mate for life and are attentive parents.
Avianinfluenza (Bird Flu) is a disease caused by influenzatype Aviruses that occur naturally among birds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reportedin June2023, confirmingthe overall risk to human health associated with the ongoing HAPI outbreak in wild birds and poultryremains low.
Arizona Department of Health Services
Arizona has confirmed 1,252 RSV cases so far this season.
Influenza and RSV casesare on the rise in Arizona.
Last year, Arizona saw record-breaking flu and RSV caseloads. Cases dont appear to be surging to those levels again this season, but the viruses are spreading.
This fall, the Arizona Department of Health Services has already tracked more than twice as many flu cases than whats typical for this time of year.
RSV caseloads have been at average levels so far this year, but confirmed cases of the virus have increased about 21% just since last week.
Both viruses usually peak in December or January. Medical expertsrecommend an annual flu vaccinefor everyone 6 months and older. There is alsoa new RSV vaccine available this yearfor adults over 60 and pregnant women.
Arizona Department of Health Services
Arizona has confirmed 2,605 influenza cases so far this season.
Baby Your Baby- Vaccinations and Immunizations During Pregnancy
by Intermountain Health
KUTVThumbnail
With cold and flu season approaching and news about new immunizations and vaccines that are becoming available, its important to sort out what is recommended for our most vulnerable populations, which include people who are pregnant, and the babies they are carrying.
Babies can receive disease protection from their mom during pregnancy. Newborns do not yet have fully developed immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable to infections.
Getting vaccines and immunizations during pregnancy helps the moms body create antibodies that are passed along to the growing baby that will help protect them during those first few, vulnerable months of life.
The Centers for Disease Control and the national professional associations of obstetricians and gynecologists currently recommend four vaccines or immunizations during pregnancy:
All of these respiratory infections (influenza, COVID-19, RSV which are caused by viruses; and Pertussis which is caused by bacteria), are dangerous for newborns and can cause hospitalization. Tragically some infants die each year from these infections.
Pregnant women are recognized as a particularly vulnerable population who are more likely to experience severe complications, such as the need for intensive care and respiratory support, with many common illnesses including the flu or COVID. Due to this risk and the potential benefits to the newborn. Making sure to receive the appropriate vaccinations is critical during pregnancy, said Dr. Sean Esplin, an OB/Gyn and maternal fetal medicine specialist and the senior medical director for womens health at Intermountain Health.
Its important to talk with your prenatal care provider to know what vaccines and immunizations are recommended for you, and when to get them. They know your medical history and can explain all the benefits and any risks.
Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations can be given any time during pregnancy and are available now
Influenza vaccine is important to protect both mom and the baby from the flu. It can be given anytime throughout the pregnancy to make sure mom is protected. The 2023 Influenza immunizations are available now and it is recommended to get it in the fall. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to have its full effect.
Its also recommended that the latest COVID -19 vaccine formulation be given now. The COVID vaccine is important to protect both the mom and the baby from serious illness from COVID-19.
The vaccine for whooping cough and the monoclonal immunization for RSV are recommended later in pregnancy
The maternal RSV vaccine may be co-administered with other vaccines recommended for a healthy pregnancy and infant, including COVID-19, influenza, and Tdap.
The benefits of passive immunity
When these vaccines and immunizations are given to the mother late in their pregnancy, the mother provides passive immunity to the baby. This occurs because the mother produces protective antibodies that are transferred to the baby prior to birth and then the baby has those protective antibodies to help protect them for the first few months of their life.
Mothers have always provided this type of immunity to their newborns by producing antibodies to any harmful bugs they are exposed to that may be circulating during their pregnancy. This normal process of passive immunity is one reason why babies are not overwhelmed with infections as soon as they are born.
Anyone who is around a young baby needs to be up to date on vaccines at least two weeks prior to close contact with the baby
Newborns do not yet have fully developed immune systems, making them particularly vulnerable to infections. Older kids and adults can spread viruses to babies, even if they dont feel very sick. Because of this, anyone who is around babies should be up to date on all recommended vaccines. This includes parents, siblings, and any other caregivers, like grandparents, or babysitters. Anyone who needs vaccines should get them at least two weeks before meeting the baby because it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies after vaccination.
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Published 10:30 am Friday, November 24, 2023
In their weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) found cases of seasonal flu and respiratory viruses are continuing to rise. The Southeast has, so far, been hit the hardest, with Alabama and Georgia showing especially high activity of flu and respiratory illnesses.
Brooke Bailey, the Director of infection prevention and employee health at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC), was not surprised by the high case numbers.
We saw a lot less influenza and flu cases during the height of the pandemicThere werent as many people that were out and about traveling and gathering. So now that COVID is not as severe as it was in the beginning, were seeing these normal respiratory pathogens and cases sort of coming back, like weve seen in years prior to the COVID pandemic.
Within Alabama, Bailey said an increase this time of year is common with respiratory viruses easily transmitted in cold weather and during the travel typical of the holiday season. The state of Alabama normally has a peak in cases around January, with flu season running roughly between October and March.
Flu season normally peaks here around January So we have definitely not seen a peak, and weve definitely seen an increase in cases, said Bailey.
Right now, EAMC has on average three patients with flu-like symptoms in the hospital during the month of November. When patients are discharged from EAMC, the hospital offers the vaccine to patients who have recovered from or were admitted for a reason other than flu.
So get vaccinated, alright? Bailey said. The types of the flu virus that are circulating are covered in the flu vaccine. So vaccination is going to decrease the severity of the illness and also the likelihood of you potentially spreading it to others.
She adds that anyone who is sick, especially with a respiratory disease, should stay home. Not only to recuperate away from others who could be infected but particularly from those who are at high risk for complications should they catch a virus. Of course, the stalwarts, washing hands often, covering your mouth when coughing, and avoiding touching your eyes, mouth and nose are also best practices.
Those things that we always say over and over again are the biggest things that can decrease the likelihood of spreading it. And that really can be applied to any respiratory virus, not just the flu, Bailey said.
Bailey wanted to make it clear that people should be wary of all respiratory diseases. This year is what has been nicknamed a tripledemic, when in one respiratory season there are three predominant viruses Influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The CDCs Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics predicts that all three viruses could cause a significant strain on our healthcare system. For the first time in U.S. history, vaccines for all of the major respiratory viruses (COVID-19, flu, and RSV) are available.
Vaccinations remain the best way to keep yourself and others healthy. Bailey said a single dose of RSV vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years and older, who are at higher risk of respiratory complications. It is also available for pregnant women from 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy. A new COVID-19 booster was released in September for more recent variants and is available for everyone six months and up. Along with the annual flu vaccine, these are available at most doctors offices and pharmacies.
As for those who have flu-like symptoms, Bailey has some recommendations as well. For those experiencing difficulty breathing, very high fevers, or other severe symptoms, going to a medical provider is advised.
I would just encourage anybody, just give them a call. A lot of times you can call the physicians, and they might be able to get a nurse or someone to be able to instruct you on what to do, said Bailey.
She added that if you are feeling sick and have to go to a doctors office make sure and wear a mask.
FILE: A pharmacist administers a Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine at a drug store, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Cypress, Texas. Fall 2023 vaccination season is in full swing, with health officials in the U.S. urging both an updated COVID-19 shot and flu vaccine for most everyone. New this year are vaccines for older adults and women in late pregnancy to guard against another virus named RSV. (Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle via AP)
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) The PAAC COVID-19 Surge Testing & Vaccine team will offer flu shots, glucose and wellness checks as well as COVID-19 testing, vaccines and boosters as part of a free clinic in Charleston on Wednesday.
According to a PAAC release, the free clinic will run on a first come first served basis from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the PAACInfinitePathwaysMedical Assisted Treatment and Recovery Center; no appointment needed.
All you need to get your COVID-19 tests and vaccinations is a valid photo ID.
To stay up to date on the PAAC COVID-19 Surge Team, you can visit its Facebook and Instagram.
The HSE is urging eligible people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19 this winter amid concerns that the uptake so far remains low.
Director of National Health Protection at the HSE, Dr amonn OMoore, said that the low uptake may have a serious impact on public health in the coming weeks and months.
There is no room for complacency at this point, he said.
Our hospitals are already feeling pressure from a significant level of RSV, particularly our paediatric services. The winter in the southern hemisphere saw very high levels of flu, and this adds to the concern about our own winter.
We are already seeing early signs that flu levels are rising and we expect it to be reaching its peak from mid-December and into January.
Covid-19 levels are currently stable but we are seeing people seriously ill with covid-19, including in our ICUs now, and around half of those have not received boosters in the last six months".
There is still time for people to get their vaccines, it takes around two weeks for the vaccines to take effect so now is the time to act.
Dr OMoore reminded people that the lower the vaccination uptake, the more people will be admitted to hospital which he said will, in turn, lead to busier hospitals and increased pressure on services and staff.
The latest figures provided by the HSE show that as of November 1, 11.5% of HSE-employed healthcare workers have availed of the covid-19 autumn booster vaccine and 24.3% have had the flu vaccine.
49% of people aged 70 and 18% of those aged 50 to 69 have had a Covid-19 autumn booster vaccine up to November 12. 10% of people who are immunocompromised have had their Covid-19 vaccine this winter.
59% of people aged 65 and older, 9.5% of eligible children aged two to 12 years, and 18% of those aged 50 to 64 who are eligible have had their annual flu vaccine.
A 'brutal' cold virus whose symptoms include coughs and fatigue is being reported across the UK - and it lasts for weeks, with sufferers begging for help to get back to normal
Common cold: How to conquer it quickly
A "brutal" cold that patients claim is worse than any winter bug is sweeping the UK this month, leaving sufferers bedbound for days and housebound for weeks.
The nasty virus has symptoms including fever, headaches, blocked noses, coughs, and fatigue. One person shared their experience on Reddit's r/CasualUK, saying: "Just coming off the back end of a brutal cold that's lasted about 3 weeks, during which my sinuses have been almost completely closed, relaxing only for brief periods while also producing mucus at an alarming rate."
They added: "Emerging from my bed this morning, I could breathe through my nose again. I could smell things. It still feels like somebody poured Ready Brek into the back of my face, but it's finally over and life is beautiful again."
Another user agreed, saying: "I'm just emerging from it now. Bloody awful, almost like flu." And one more chimed in saying: "I caught it in October, I was bedridden for days and then spent another week housebound, constantly looking at my phone to see if it had been 4 hours since my last dose of paracetamol. I'm assuming it's a Covid variant that isn't picked up by the tests, it was worse than any winter bug I'd had before 2020."
A person said: "It's been a total b****rd, had me in bed for a couple of days and feeling s**t for a couple of weeks now. I can totally recommend Otrivine nasal spray for the blocked nose/sinus bit though."
One agreed saying: "Currently on day 5 of it. Feel absolutely lousy. So much mucus it's ridiculous. Already feeling anxious about having to call in sick again tomorrow but I refuse to go back to work until I'm well enough.
"Won't get thanked for going in and certainly won't get thanked by colleagues if I spread this around. Just hoping I'm all clear for Christmas. Get well soon everyone."
One theory suggesting it is a new Covid variant could be true, but we do not yet know for sure. The NHS's most recent report said a total of 11.7 million people in England have had the flu vaccine so far in 2023, with 8.6 million taking up another Covid booster, but millions more in vulnerable groups remain at risk.
The NHS's official advice, if you come down with any respiratory viral infection, is to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water, and drink a hot lemon and honey drink to soothe a cough, reports YorkshireLive. Vitamin C is something a lot of people swear by, but that's better as a preventative. Once you have a cold, zinc is a better supplement to fight it with.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to webhomepage@mirror.co.uk
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