Flu jab cuts Welsh hospital admissions by 50%, Public Health Wales estimates
More than 800 hospital admissions were estimated to have been prevented by flu vaccination in Wales last winter, as people are urged to take up the free NHS jab
ore than 800 flu-related hospital admissions in Wales were prevented by vaccination last winter, according to Public Health Wales.
The organisation estimates that without the flu vaccine, hospital admissions would have been around 50% higher.
Hawys Youlden, lead nurse for immunisation at Public Health Wales, said flu was often underestimated.
“A common misconception with flu is that it’s just a heavy cold, but sadly, the statistics show us that it’s much more than this for many people,” she said.
People with conditions including asthma and diabetes, as well as those with weakened immune systems, can be particularly vulnerable to serious complications.
“When your body is fighting flu and you’ve already got some underlying health conditions, it can be harder for your body to fight those infections,” Ms Youlden said.
She urged people to check whether they were eligible for a free NHS vaccination, stressing it was not only for older people.
“You’re protecting yourself, but also by being vaccinated, you’re protecting those around you and your communities and the NHS as well,” she said.
More than one million people in Wales received a flu vaccine last year, including more than 200,000 people with long-term health conditions.
Ms Youlden said vaccination remained important each year because flu strains can change.
“Even if you’ve had the flu vaccine before and you’re eligible, that you keep having it every year for the best possible protection,” she said.