As winter approaches, so does the circulation of respiratory viruses, increasing the risk to liver patients of getting seriously ill.
However, taking up both the flu and COVID vaccines ahead of the colder months provides the best level of protection against severe illness.
If you are vaccinated and you catch flu or COVID-19, you are more likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster, cutting your risk of being hospitalised – and helping to minimise pressure on the NHS during busy winter months
People at greatest risk are being urged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccination before winter through a new campaign called Get Winter Strong. Patients living with severe liver disease, taking immunosuppressants, or recovering from a transplant face higher risks from flu and COVID-19.
The campaign, launched by the NHS, the UK Health Security Agency and the Department of Health and Social Care, encourages those eligible to get their vaccination when invited to do so. Last year’s flu vaccine had a significant impact, with a 30% reduction in the number of over-65s being hospitalised and a 74% reduction in those between 2 and 17 years of age. (i)
There was, however, an alarming drop in the flu vaccine uptake in England in the winter of 2023-2024 compared with 2022-2023(i). Last year also saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and again at the end of January.
The British Liver Trust urges everyone eligible to take up their invitation for vaccination. Patients with any concerns should speak with their doctor or nurse.
Update for people with liver disease on the Covid-19 vaccine
Notes:
(i) Surveillance of influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses in the UK
(ii) Flu vaccine uptake rates winter 2023 to 2024 compared with 2022 to 2023:
Aged 65 years and over – 77.8% (8,608,243) compared with 79.9%
Aged 6 months to under 65 years of age with one or more long-term health conditions – 41.4% (3,908,092) compared with 49.1%
Pregnant women – 32.1% (225,438) compared with 35%
Two and three-year-olds – 44.4% compared with 43.7%
