Liverpool is expecting a "difficult winter" with a rise in viruses like flu and Covid-19.
The city's public health director Matt Ashton has urged everyone eligible to get their free flu vaccines and Covid-19 boosters as winter draws in. He said the city is predicting an early flu wave, in a similar way to Australia, which has had high levels circulating in its winter.
Mr Ashton explained: “We are expecting a difficult winter with a lot of respiratory illness due to viruses like flu and Covid. These viruses are unpredictable in terms of timing and quantity, but we know that they will threaten our health at some point this winter.
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"The most common flu strain currently circulating globally is H3N2 which can cause particularly severe illness. The natural immunity of the population to flu is lower this winter, due to low levels for the last couple of years. This was because people mixed less last winter and so, they were less exposed to flu, and did not build up their own immunity."
The public health director said it is vital that children in the city take up the flu vaccine this winter as most young children will have no natural immunity at all to flu 'as a result of them not being exposed to it in their young lives so far.'
All children aged 2 and 3 (age on 31 August) are eligible for the nasal spray through their GP practice, and all primary school and some secondary school- aged children will be able to get the flu nasal spray through school.
Flu vaccination is available through GP practices and pharmacies for the highest priority people first. This includes everyone aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people of any age with underlying medical conditions, carers and those who live with someone with a weakened immune system . You can already contact your GP or pharmacist to book your flu jab.
From mid-October, people aged 50 to 64 will also be able to access the flu vaccine.
Mr Ashton says his team are already seeing a rise in covid cases in the city. He added: "Modelling data for Covid is forecasting peaks for Covid infections in early November and then again in March 2023 – with potential pressures on our health care systems peaking in December.
"Catching flu and Covid at the same time increases the risk of severe illness, and that’s why its important that everyone who is eligible takes up both the Covid booster and the flu jab."
The Covid autumn booster vaccination started earlier this month. Anyone aged 65 or over, pregnant women, people of any age with an underlying medical condition, carers and those who live with someone with a weakened immune system can now book their autumn Covid booster through the national Covid vaccine booking system.
There is no need to wait for an invitation from your doctor to book you Covid booster. You can book now at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or phone 119. All adults aged 50 to 64 will also become eligible to book their Covid booster later in the autumn.
Mr Ashton added: "Vaccination in general, and specifically Covid and flu vaccines have saved many lives. We are fortunate to have these vaccines to protect against serious illness. It is important we do not become complacent – as we will again see flu and Covid rising this winter. With so many winter challenges facing us this year, our health-services will also be under extreme pressure.
"I strongly recommend that anyone who is eligible for a free flu or Covid vaccine should protect themselves as soon as possible. It is the best way to protect yourself from these viruses. If you’re unsure of your eligibility, use the table below to check.
"It is also important to prevent spread of viruses by letting fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside; considering whether to wear a mask in crowded or enclosed public spaces, by covering your nose and mouth when you cough and sneeze, and by washing your hands properly."
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