In Somerset, we have set ourselves ambitious targets for vaccinating people against flu. Although we are doing well, there are still lots more people including over 65s, school children, immuno-suppressed and 2-3 years-olds, who have not yet been vaccinated. We want to make sure as many people as possible, are protected through having the flu vaccine; to help ensure they don’t become ill with flu over the festive season.
Dr Rob Weaver, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset says, ‘With the flu season hitting the NHS more than a month earlier than usual and cases three times higher than at this time last year, there has never been a better time to get your flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones ahead of the festive season.
“Last winter (September 2024 – March 2025), 1780 people were hospitalised in Somerset as a result of having flu, Covid and RSV.
“With it taking up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to provide optimal protection – now is the best time for those who are eligible to be vaccinated. You can get vaccinated at your GP, your community pharmacy and at pop up clinics for pregnant women and school children. And, for the first time you can now get your two-three year vaccinated at most community pharmacies”.
For more information around eligibility and where you can get vaccinated please visit https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/staying-well/flu-vaccination/
Importance of getting the flu vaccination
If you are not vaccinated there is a;
- Higher risk of catching and spreading flu (influenza).
- Being hospitalised as a result of having flu
- Greater likelihood of severe illness, especially if you’re older, for children, or if have a long-term condition.
- Possible hospitalisation or long-term complications (e.g., pneumonia, heart attack).
- Indirect consequences – such as having to take time off work or school and an increased strain on health services.
Can I still get the flu if I have been vaccinated?
Yes, you can still get the flu even if you have been vaccinated, but the vaccine significantly reduces your risk of getting seriously ill, and symptoms are likely to be milder if you do get sick. This is because the vaccine is designed to protect against the most likely strains circulating each year, but some strains may not be covered, or the vaccine’s protection can decrease over time.
Pettitt Family – having flu ruined our Christmas when three generations had flu
Rebecca Pettitt,32 from Taunton says;
‘In December last year my little one-year-old girl Astrid became very poorly, and I thought she had picked up a bug from her nursery.
‘She had a sudden fever, was very lethargic and couldn’t settle and then became very poorly.
‘The next day I felt unwell with aching bones and was so tired I couldn’t stay awake, so I asked my mum if we could go and stay with her and my dad, so she could help look after us and she kindly did.
‘Having flu is so much worse than having a bad cold. I have never felt so unwell. I had no energy. I felt drained and just wanted to be left alone. It was like being hit by a truck.
‘A few days later, about a week before Christmas my little girl got bronchiolitis and had to be admitted into A&E and be treated with a nebuliser. Then my mum also started to feel unwell. We all tested for COVID, as we thought that’s what it might be, but the tests were negative.
‘Although we were all feeling unwell, Christmas is such an important time for our family and particularly my mum, who wanted to make it special, so we tried to struggle on.
‘My mum started to feel more unwell and by Christmas Day I have never seen her look so ill. She looked grey, she couldn’t move or eat and had lost a lot of weight very quickly. My dad, my brother and I were so worried about her, particularly as she has asthma (although it is normally very well controlled). I tried to persuade her to go to hospital, but she didn’t want to ruin Christmas Day for the family.
‘My dad was so worried as her breathing was rattling, and she couldn’t even keep down a sip of water’
‘On Boxing Day, we persuaded her to go to Minehead Minor Injuries Unit. They were absolutely fantastic. They organised for an ambulance to take her to Musgrove Park Hospital.
‘When she was admitted into A&E and was swabbed to understand what was making her ill. They found she had flu (Influenza A); her oxygen saturation levels were low, and they were worried about sepsis, so they admitted her to resus initially, and then she was sent to a respiratory ward where she received antibiotics and anti-viral medication for five days.
‘It was really scary. I love my mum so much and rely on her a lot. It was terrifying to see her so unwell. And to see the effect it had on my dad and brother. We were all so frightened. She was so fragile when she’s normally so strong.
65-year-old Jill Pettitt says:
‘I have never felt so ill. It took me six months to fully recover and rebuild my energy after having flu.
‘I went from being very fit and active, walking my dog every day to someone who had no energy, struggled to get out of bed, was exhausted and couldn’t eat.
