TODAY Central Recorder launches an initiative to urge unvaccinated persons to get vaccinated “Do The Double”Before the World Cup, get flu jabs and Covid.
NHS bosses want to avoid a repeat of the coronavirus wave that followed last year’s Euros.
4
4
And yesterday two of England football’s biggest names — Gary Lineker and Sir Geoff Hurst — backed our Do The Double campaign. Millions of people eligible for jabs are not getting them. 13 million in England have an Omicron Covid booster, while 18 million still need a flu vaccine.
Doctors are concerned about a virus “twindemic” could cripple hospitals this winter as they now face mass walkouts after the nurses’ strike vote.
Covid cases are falling, but experts predict a virus surge when fans start packing out pubs and living rooms to watch Gareth Southgate’s side take to the pitch in Qatar after the World Cup begins on November 20.
Match Of The Day host Gary, aged 61, scored 48 goals in England’s win, while Sir Geoff (80), urged football lovers to have a good time.
Former striker Gary, Mexico ’86’s top goalscorer, told Central Recorder: “You can’t beat watching a World Cup with your friends and family, and no one wants that ruined by Covid.
“I’ve had my booster jabs and I’m getting my flu jab next week, and I urge anyone who is eligible to get theirs too.
“If you can, do the double. Come on, England!”
Sir Geoff, 80, whose hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final saw England lift the trophy for the first and only time, said he backed our jabs push “one million per cent”.
He added: “I am surprised when people say they are not going to get a Covid jab.
“Everybody at every level, at every age, should have the jab when they are due.”
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive at NHS England, called on Sun readers as well to get insured, no matter if they plan to watch abroad or at home.
England’s last major tournament, the Euros in 2021, saw Covid cases surge tenfold in a summer wave. The number of positive tests rose from 5,000 per day in June to 45,000 per day by July 15, days after the Three Lions’ defeat to Italy on penalties.
A government report later said England’s Euro fixtures had caused “spikes in cases across the country”.
The Department of Health stated that many people who were positive for HIV had been “visiting bars, pubs, other households and eating out” on match days.
Mild Omicron is Covid that is less hazardous now, but infected people still have to watch from their sickbeds if they don’t get protection.
4
4
While Jabs will reduce the risk for Covid infection and flu during winter, it can take weeks for immunity to kick in. However, kick-off in Qatar is in nine days.
Dr Paul Hunter, medicine professor at the University of East Anglia, said: “It is important to get it done sooner rather than later.
“If you have a jab now it would be very unlikely that you get infected during the World Cup or over Christmas.
“The vaccines are now only being offered to more vulnerable and older people who might not have had Covid recently or have not had flu for two years.
“For them, going to watch football in a crowded pub is a big risk factor for catching a virus.”A free flu vaccine is available to around 33 million people, while 26 million can get an autumn Covid booster.
However, only half of the shots were taken up to this point, with 15 million flu jabs and 13.9million Covid topups.
Flu cases have increased in recent weeks, and flu admissions to hospitals are higher than average over the past few years.
The autumn Covid wave is beginning to recede, with a nine percent drop in cases last week. However, there are still 1.6million infected people, including 5,647 hospitalized.
That’s why it makes sense for all of us — footie fans or not — to Do The Double.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
WHO is eligible for vaccines?
NHS England claims that 33 million people can receive flu vaccines and 26million can be given an autumn Covid booster.
Flu jabs as well Covid boosters are available to anyone over 50, for those with severe health conditions, pregnant women and all other individuals who live with someone with a weaker immune system.
For children between 2 and 11, free flu vaccines are available.
Anyone who has not had the first three Covid vaccines can book their next one at any time.
How do I book?
Onlinenhs.ukCall 119 or visit your local pharmacy to obtain a free consultation.
Are they cost-free?
Yes, for both eligible and ineligible people. People who are not eligible may purchase a Covid-19 shot but cannot pay for a flu jab at a high street pharmacy.
Can I get both flu and Covid simultaneously?
Yes, there are many NHS sites that offer this option.
The combination of the jabs has been proven safe and effective by studies.
How long before I am protected?
The vaccine can take up to three weeks to fully protect you. With the first game scheduled for Qatar in nine days, it is best to act sooner than later.
STABILITY YOUR DEFENCE
By Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive
We are certain that the World Cup will bring people together. Millions will gather in front of their homes to cheer Gareth Southgate’s team on.
We also know that viruses love crowds, regardless of whether they are the flu, common cold or Covid.
So the best possible defence will be vital – not just in Qatar but also here at home. To ensure you’re ready for the tournament, get your flu and Covid vaccines.
There is a real risk of flu spreading with flu already in circulation and Covid not having disappeared. “twindemic”In what could be one the most difficult winters that the NHS has ever faced.
We are doing all we can to prepare. This includes adding more hospital beds, creating a national fall service, and rolling out data-driven initiatives. “war rooms”Coordinate care and make sure that every spare bed is used.
People can also book flu jabs and Covid at over 3,100 locations across the country through the NHS website, or by calling 119.
They can save lives and keep you out the hospital.
So don’t score an own goal this World Cup. Take a shot for England so you can enjoy the football – along with Christmas and the New Year.