Coronavirus: GPs warned to stock up on flu jabs as NHS fears double risk this winter

'Those most at risk from flu are also most vulnerable to Covid-19. We must do all we can to help protect them this winter'

GPs have been warned about the risks of Covid-19 during the flu season (PA)

GPs have been warned of a double risk from flu and Covid-19 this winter which could hit the NHS just months after its recovery from the coronavirus surge.

NHS England has told practices to stock up on flu vaccines while discussions are ongoing as to whether to widen the eligibility for flu jabs to try and protect as many people as possible from September onwards.

A second wave of coronavirus during winter, when the NHS is typically under strain from flu could overwhelm services with those most at risk from flu similarly vulnerable to coronavirus.

In a letter from NHS chiefs, including chief medical officer Chris Whitty, GPs were told: “Flu vaccination is one of the most effective interventions we have to reduce pressure on the health and social care system this winter. We are currently seeing the impact of Covid-19 on the NHS and social care, and this coming winter we may be faced with co-circulation of Covid-19 and flu.

“Those most at risk from flu are also most vulnerable to Covid-19. We must do all we can to help protect them this winter.”

Seasonal flu is a major killer with Public Health England estimating an average of 17,000 people a die a year between 2014-15 and 2018-19 although numbers vary depending on how severe the flu strains are.

Professor Martin Marshall, chair of the Royal College of GPs, said: "We don’t know what the ‘new normal’ will look like come late autumn/early winter when the flu vaccination programme usually begins, and hopefully the threat of Covid-19 has subsided somewhat. But it is likely that Covid-19 will present challenges to delivering the flu programme – we will need to take measures to ensure all patients are safe when they come to get their vaccination, and we will need to ensure people, particularly in at risk groups, are confident in doing so.”

He added: "GPs and our teams plan meticulously for the flu season every year to ensure the vaccination programme runs smoothly and as many people as possible get vaccinated. The current Covid-19 pandemic makes this even more important than usual."

The letter to GPs said NHS England would be producing advice to help GPs deliver the flu immunisation programme from this autumn but accepted it was likely to be “more challenging with the uncertainties of staff absences, and how long policies around social distancing and school closures will remain in place. However, it is more important than ever to make every effort to deliver flu vaccination.

“We anticipate that concerns about Covid-19 may increase demand for flu vaccination in all groups this year, and some in at risk groups may have concerns about maintaining social distancing when being given the vaccine.”

Many of the patients eligible for free flu jabs will fall into the vulnerable categories advised to self-isolate or shield themselves during the coronavirus outbreak.

It said GPs should actively encourage patients eligible for the free jab to attend for vaccination using letters, emails, phone calls, text and social media.

“It is more important than ever that we have effective plans in place for the 2020-21 flu season to protect those at risk, prevent ill-health and minimise further impact on the NHS and social care.

“Discussions to consider expansion of the flu programme for this autumn are underway,” it said.

Due to coronavirus the letter said GP surgeries and community pharmacies should review their vaccine orders and make sure they have ordered enough.

“We expect universal vaccination of health and care workers,” the letter said in line with previous commitments by government to increase the uptake of the vaccine among hospital workers.

Eligibility for a free flu jab will include all children aged two to 10, those aged between six months and 65-yeard-old who are in at risk clinical groups, pregnant women, anyone aged over 65.

Those in care homes, carers and people in close contact with those with weakened immune systems will also be able to get vaccinated.