UCL offers flu jabs to all students
The news comes following warnings that this flu season may be worse than in previous years.
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
UCL is offering all students a free flu vaccination this winter. Vaccine vouchers can be requested here, and are able to be used at participating Boots stores across the UK.
Research has found that those suffering from flu and Covid at the same time have a greater risk of serious illness and death. Those at high risk from flu are also vulnerable to coronavirus, meaning that the potential for harm this winter is substantial.
In what the government calls “England’s biggest ever flu campaign”, a large portion of the population will be offered protection against the flu virus. The government is offering all primary school children, as well as Year 7s, a flu nasal spray free of charge. All adults aged 50 and up, as well as those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, will also be offered a free flu jab. It appears that the campaign’s purpose is not only to protect people from the flu, but also to ease pressure on the NHS this winter.
In an information page for students, UCL has also stressed the importance of supporting the NHS amidst the coronavirus pandemic by getting the flu vaccine. Around 11,000 people die of flu every year in the UK, and many more are hospitalised. The Academy of Medical Sciences predicts that between 15,000 and 60,000 people could die of respiratory diseases this season.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Matt Hancock, says: “This year more than ever, it’s vital that those eligible for the flu jab get it this winter, so you can protect yourself, your family and the NHS. We’re pulling out all the stops to prepare for this uniquely challenging winter and we have enough vaccines for 30 million people this year, more than we’ve ever done before.”
Dr. Nikita Kanani, a London GP and NHS medical director for primary care, agrees: “If you are eligible, please help us help you and get your free flu vaccine as soon as possible. It could save your life, or someone you love.”