BHF comment
Heart patients urged to get free flu jab
We're urging people with a heart or circulatory condition to get vaccinated against the flu virus.
The flu virus can weaken the respiratory system, which is important for the heart to function properly. and it can directly harm the heart muscle. This means getting the flu can be particularly dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease.
However, getting the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of a major cardiovascular event like a heart attack or stroke by 13 per cent in people with heart or circulatory disease.
Each year in the UK, flu leads to thousands of hospital admissions and deaths. Latest data shows that in the winter of 2019/20, there were over 6,300 excess deaths from cardiovascular disease in the UK, with flu likely to be a contributing factor.
Across the UK, those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include over-65s and people with a long-term condition like congenital heart disease or heart failure. You can check if you meet the eligibility criteria on the NHS website.
We're urging anyone eligible for a free flu jab to book theirs sooner rather than later as having the vaccine last year doesn’t mean you will be protected this year. You can book your flu jab at your GP surgery or local pharmacy.
Ruth Goss, our Senior Cardiac Nurse, said: “Anyone with a history of heart and circulatory illnesses is at increased risk of severe illness if they get the flu.
“If you have had a heart attack, the flu puts you at a greater risk of having another one, and it can exacerbate conditions like heart failure.
“Getting a flu jab takes only five minutes and it can protect you from potentially serious health complications, while supporting the NHS by reducing the number of people needing treatment during the immensely busy winter period.”
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “People with heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure are particularly vulnerable to flu, which can have a serious impact on their health, so we’d urge those people to book their jabs now and make sure they’re protected.
“Seasonal viruses including flu are beginning to increase, but the NHS is making it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP practice, pharmacy, school, or other community clinic. You can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119, and the 'walk in flu finder' on the NHS app allows you to find a pharmacy where you can walk in for a vaccine without an appointment.”
Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “Vaccination is the best defence against flu, acting like a suit of armour for the most vulnerable including those with heart and circulatory conditions.
"Last winter showed us the significant impact the flu vaccination programme has - with 100,000 hospitalisations prevented, protecting patients from disease and the NHS from winter pressures.
“The vaccination is free for those at greatest risk and I would urge everyone eligible to follow the advice of their doctor and come forward to protect themselves and the people around them before peak flu season.”
We've joined forces with Tesco through our Health Charity Partnership to encourage more people to book a flu vaccine appointment. With over 350 Tesco pharmacies across the UK offering free flu jabs for those eligible, people can get vaccinated at a time that fits around their schedule.
Jonathan Bridgett, Tesco Pharmacy Services Manager, said: “For those wanting to use the flu jab service, accessing the vaccinations should be as convenient as popping to a Tesco store for a weekly shop. Offering the free NHS service to those eligible, including all over 65s, as well as the private flu jab, means we can serve as many people as possible. This can help reduce the risk of catching flu and passing it on to older or more vulnerable family members.”
