‘Please don’t ruin your Christmas like I did – Get your flu jab’
“As fears of a ‘quad-demic’ – driven by a rise in flu, norovirus, Covid and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – become very real, I can’t help but remember my frightening experience with flu.
“A few years ago, I spent three weeks in hospital and was close to being admitted to intensive care – so I know first-hand that flu is more than just a heavy cold.
Jacqueline is a former paediatric nurse
“As a former paediatric nurse who has worked in the NHS for more than 40 years, I have seen my fair share of patients with serious infections, but nothing can prepare you for being hospitalised with flu over Christmas.
“Luckily, I had already had my flu jab that season – and we know that the flu jab not only reduces your risk of catching the virus, but also your risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and death even if you do catch it. This is true of vaccines for other viruses, including Covid.
“I am certain that the flu vaccine saved my life. And with good reason – sadly, an estimated 25,000 people die of flu every year in England.
“On Christmas Eve that year, I thought I was going to die – and I want to spare any patient or parent that fear, by urging them to get any vaccines they are eligible for this winter.
“Not just flu and Covid vaccines – pregnant women can get vaccinated to protect their unborn babies against RSV, and older adults are also eligible.
“ If you haven’t experienced RSV, it is a nasty virus that can lead to more serious infections (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) in babies and young children – with symptoms that would terrify any parent, such as shortness of breath and difficulty feeding.
“It’s no secret that winter is a tough time for the NHS – but all the signs are there that this could be even more challenging than most.
“We are already seeing overwhelming demand for our emergency services, driven in part by these devastating viruses.
“I understand that people have concerns about vaccines – and sometimes it feels like misinformation spreads even faster than the viruses themselves.
“That’s why we are doing everything we can to reassure people that the evidence is clear – these vaccines are safe, effective, and your best protection against a miserable Christmas.
“The clock is ticking – the deadline for booking your flu or Covid jabs online closes on 19 December. You can still book after this date through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites.
“But I am pleading with you not to delay it – please don’t ruin your Christmas like I did. ”
To book a flu appointment – before 19 December – click here https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/book-flu-vaccination/
