TODAY, The Sun is launching a fitness crusade urging other unvaccinated people to “double that” and get vaccinated against covid and flu ahead of the World Cup.
NHS bosses need a repeat of the coronavirus wave that followed last year’s euros.
And yesterday, two of the biggest names in English football, Gary Lineker and Sir Geoff Hurst, subsidised our Do The Double campaign. Millions of other people eligible for the shots did not receive them, adding up to thirteen million in England due to an Omicron Covid booster and 18 million due to a flu vaccine.
Doctors fear a viral “double outbreak” could paralyze hospitals this winter as they now face mass strikes after the nurses’ strike vote.
Covid cases are declining, but experts predict a virus outbreak when fans start filling pubs and lounges to watch Gareth Southgate’s team take to the field in Qatar after the start of the World Cup on November 20.
Gary, 61, host of the day’s match, who scored 48 goals for England, and Sir Geoff, 80, winner of the World Cup, suggested football enthusiasts to be chopped.
Former striker Gary, Mexico’s smartest goalscorer in 1986, told The Sun: “You can’t do any better than watch a World Cup with your friends and your family, and you want that to be ruined by covid. “
“I got my booster shots and will get a flu shot next week, and I urge who is eligible to get vaccinated as well.
“If you can, do twice as much. Come to England!”
Sir Geoff, 80, whose hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup final saw England lift the trophy for the first time, said he maintained our jabs pushed “a million consistent with a penny”.
He added: “I’m surprised when other people say they’re not going to take a hit from Covid.
“Everyone at every level, at every age, takes the hit when it’s due. “
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, also appealed to Sun readers, whether they plan to look at home or abroad.
In England’s last major tournament, Euro 2021, covid cases increased tenfold in a summer wave. Positive tests increased from 5,000 days in the first week of June to 45,000 days on July 15, just days after the Three Lions. lost the final to Italy on penalties.
A government report later said England’s anti-euro parties had “spikes in cases across the country. “
The Health Ministry said many other people who tested positive had “visited bars, pubs, other families and eaten out” on exercise days.
Mild Omicron means Covid is less harmful now, yet those who are inflamed still watch games from their sick beds if they are not protected.
Vaccines will decrease the threat of flu or covid infection in the winter, but immunity can take weeks to kick in, with a start in Qatar in just nine days.
Dr Paul Hunter, professor of medicine at the University of East Anglia, said: “It’s doing this as soon as possible.
“If you have a blow now, it’s very unlikely to ignite during the World Cup or at Christmas.
“Vaccines are now only given to other more vulnerable and older people who may not have had covid recently or who haven’t had the flu in two years.
“For them, going to watch football in a crowded bar is a big threat to contracting a virus. “Around 33 million people are eligible for a loose flu vaccine and 26 million may receive an autumn Covid booster.
Even so, about a portion of the shots have been given so far, with 15 million flu vaccines distributed and 13. 9 million Covid refills.
The numbers show that flu cases have increased in recent weeks and hospital admissions for flu are higher than the average of recent years.
Although the autumn wave of covid has begun to subside, with a 9% drop in cases last week, there are still 1. 6 million people infected with the virus, adding up to 5,647 hospitalized.
That’s why it makes sense for all of us, enthusiastic or not, to do twice as much.
WHO is eligible for vaccines?
NHS England says a further 33 million people are eligible to get a flu shot and 26 million may receive a Covid booster in the autumn.
Flu shots and covid boosters can be obtained for anyone over the age of 50, those under 50 with severe physical conditions, pregnant women, nursing home residents, physical and frontline care staff, caregivers, and anyone living with someone with a weakened immune system.
Free flu shots are also available for children ages 2 to 11 and older.
Anyone who has not received the first 3 Covid vaccines can receive the next one at any time.
How to book?
Online at nhs. uk, by calling toll-free 119 or contacting your pharmacy or doctor’s office.
Are they free?
Yes, any of the eligible. Other ineligible people can afford a flu shot at a street pharmacy, but it’s not possible to buy a COVID-19 vaccine.
Can I have Covid and flu on the day?
Yes, many NHS sites offer to do so.
Studies have shown that it is effective to administer both injections together.
How long until it is protected?
It takes at least a week for a vaccine to reach the charts and up to 3 weeks for complete protection. With the first attack in Qatar just nine days away, faster than later.
By Amanda Pritchard, NHS chief executive
WE know the World Cup will unite the country, with millions collected in pubs and lounges to cheer on Gareth Southgate and his team.
But we also know that crowds are what viruses like the most, whether it’s colds, flu, or even Covid.
Therefore, the most productive defense imaginable will be vital, not only in Qatar, but also at home. If you’re eligible for a covid or flu shot this fall, make sure you have tournament compatibility by supplementing your coverage.
With the flu already circulating and covid never going away, there is a real risk of a “double outbreak” in what may be one of the harshest winters the NHS has ever faced.
We are doing everything we can to prepare, adding more hospital beds, introducing a national fall prevention service, and deploying data-driven “war rooms” to coordinate care and make sure each and every spare bed is used intelligently.
We’re also making it easier than ever to book covid and flu shots at over 3100 sites across the country, the NHS online page or by calling 119.
They can save your life and keep you from going to the hospital.
So don’t score a goal contrary to what they look like this World Cup. Take a photo for England so you can enjoy football – with Christmas and New Year.
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