Basingstoke's MP is urging Basingstoke residents to get the flu vaccine this winter, as the government launches a drive to get 30million people vaccinated.  

The campaign comes as new research from Public Health England suggests that people infected with both flu and SARS-CoV-2 do considerably worse than someone with the new coronavirus alone.

The research, looking at cases between January and April this year, also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness. Most cases of co-infection were in older people and more than half of them died.

Everyone in Basingstoke over the age of 50 is to be offered a flu vaccine for this winter.

The town's MP Maria Miller said: "As we approach winter, it is imperative that everyone who needs a flu vaccination takes up the offer to have one, as getting vaccinated could make an important different if they also catch coronavirus in the months ahead."

The drive to vaccines comes as new research from Public Health England suggests that people who tested positive for both flu and Covid-19 were more than twice as likely to die, compared to those with Covid-19 alone.

The research also found that those with co-infection of the two viruses were more at risk of severe illness.

This year, the flu vaccination programme is being expanded to help protect people from flu and ease pressure on the NHS and urgent care services.

The health system is working to provide the free flu vaccine to 30 million people, the highest number on record.

Those eligible include:

  • All primary school children, and, for the first time, Year 7 children
  • Two- and three-olds.
  • The most vulnerable people, including adults aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women
  • Household contact of people on the NHS Shielded Patient List and all health and social care workers who have direct contact with the people they care for 

Once uptake has been maximised in the most at-risk groups, the newly eligible 50-64 year-olds will be invited for vaccination later in the season.