Reduced flu vaccine uptake among healthcare staff and older people “worrying” says SAM president (30 November)

Commenting in The Sunday Telegraph on the reduced uptake in flu vaccinations among healthcare staff and older people, Dr Nick Murch, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: “The apparent reduced uptake in the vaccine for influenza amongst both health care professionals and at risk individuals is somewhat worrying. 

“It may suggest an element of ‘vaccine fatigue’ due to a number of factors that may include long term sequelae of the covid pandemic, the offer of Covid, flu and RSV vaccinations for some, as well as ongoing misinformation regarding immunisation generally that has been seen on social media. 

“The past two weeks have shown an uptick in presentations in older, often frail patients, and this is felt in urgent and emergency care where delayed assessment for care, long stays in emergency departments, often in chairs or temporary escalation areas including degrading corridor care is continuing. 

“The London Ambulance Service has reported 999 call activity at a level seen in the winter of 2020, and in the past week, activity at the level usually only seen on New Year’s Eve. 

“Winter is always a tough and busy time for the NHS – it is imperative that those offered vaccines consider accepting them, so we can continue to do everything we can to ensure our patients get the best possible care in extremely challenging conditions.”