People with underlying health conditions are being urged to get a flu vaccine this winter to protect their health, as well as a COVID-19 booster injection once you are eligible. The NHS are warning that this winter there could be a significant flu surge coinciding with rising COVID-19 cases, so it is particularly important that people with long-term conditions such as hepatitis C get vaccinated this year.
Those who have experienced liver damage are more likely to experience serious complications from flu. In addition, research shows that if you contract both flu and Covid-19 at the same time you may become more seriously ill.
Patients with chronic liver disease are eligible for a free flu vaccine. Chronic liver disease can affect the immune system and therefore people with this condition may be less able to fight off flu. Those with chronic liver disease are approximately 48 times more likely to die if they develop flu than individuals who have no other underlying health condition.
To protect yourself, you can:
Book an appointment to get your flu vaccination at your GP or by visiting a pharmacy offering flu vaccinations.
Get your COVID-19 boosters when you are advised – this will be six months after your second dose.