Television presenter Dr Ranj Singh has urged all older people to get their Covid booster and flu vaccinations “as soon as they can”, as he warned of a “particularly nasty flu strain” this winter. The NHS doctor, columnist, author and presenter who regularly appears on ITV’s This Morning, has joined charity Age UK in expressing the importance of getting both vaccines this autumn.
Experts are particularly concerned about the spread of the flu virus this winter, as fewer people have built up the necessary immunity to the disease after a few winters of socialising less due to the pandemic. The number of flu infections in Australia has also caused worry, with a higher rate this year compared to the five-year average.
The NHS has therefore updated their guidance to suggest that all over-50s be offered a further dose of the Covid-19 booster and a flu vaccine this autumn, as they are among those most at risk. Dr Ranj said it was “really important” that all older people should get both jabs to avoid the risk of developing both illnesses at the same time, which he warned “can be really dangerous for vulnerable people”.
