Black health leaders from across the capital are asking members of their communities to take action to protect themselves and vulnerable people in their communities from covid and flu.
Millions of eligible people across London are being urged to book life-saving autumn Covid and flu vaccines to ensure that the most vulnerable people get vital protection from becoming seriously unwell over the winter.
Dr Charles Kwaku-Odoi, CEO Caribbean and African Health Network (CAHN), speaking on behalf of the London inspire Programme said: “It is crucial for us to unite as a community and take proactive measures to safeguard the health and well-being of all our Black Londoners.
“By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to building a healthier and more resilient city for ourselves. We urge every eligible Black Londoner to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 ahead of the winter season.”
Statistics show that black people were disproportionately affected by Covid during the pandemic; compared to White Londoners, at the peak of the first wave Black Londoners were two and a half to three times more at the risk of dying with COVID-19, within a month of diagnosis.
Additionally, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to work in frontline jobs or occupations which puts them in contact with colleagues and members of the public, rather than them working for home – meaning that they are more exposed to opportunities to catch the viruses.
Two and a half million eligible people in London can book their Covid and flu vaccinations via the NHS website, by downloading the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free to speak to an advisor who can also help people to access more than 200 languages.
More than 800 vaccination sites are available across London to make it easy and convenient for people to get protection. GP practices and other local NHS services are also contacting people to offer both flu and Covid vaccines.
Following the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant BA.2.86, sometimes known as Pirola, scientists advised that vaccinations should be introduced quickly – to ensure that those at who are most vulnerable are quickly given protection.
They have also given a timely reminder that even if people have previously received the vaccination, or they have had covid or flu before, they need to have their jabs, as viruses mutate or change over time and immunity lessens over time.
Dr Oge Ilozue, a GP and senior clinical adviser of the NHS London vaccination programme said: “With a new COVID-19 variant to contend with, people in London shouldn’t hesitate to protect their health and get their vaccinations this winter. I encourage people to play their part and come forward as soon as they can for this important protection in colder months.”
Last year, the NHS faced the ‘twindemic’ of flu and Covid with hospital beds full and record pressure on staff, but data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that last year’s vaccine prevented around 25,000 hospital admissions in England.
Professor Kevin Fenton CBE, London Regional Director of Public Health, Office for Health Improvement and Disparities said: “Gaps in Covid and flu vaccine protection amongst the Black community in London could mean some people remain more vulnerable to serious illness and at increased risk of hospitalisation from these infections, including any potential future variants, which could be more severe.
“The last thing we want to see is our communities being hit hard by these viruses through continued reinfection, resulting in missing work or school, being admitted to hospital and intensive care, or experiencing the debilitating effects of Long Covid.
“Speak to your GP, local pharmacist about getting vaccinated if eligible. For winter infections, prevention really is better than cure.”
Abi Wood, CEO of Age UK London said: “Research carried out by our colleague Dr Elizabeth Webb for Age UK in 2021 showed that Black older people have experienced higher mortality from COVID-19 throughout the pandemic than White older people. This difference was particularly stark during the first wave of the epidemic.
“However, even in the second wave – when infections became more widespread across the UK – Black older people were more likely to die from COVID-19 than White older people. Research from the Office for National Statistics shows that in the second wave Black African men were more than twice as likely to have died from coronavirus than White British men, and men and women from all Black ethnicities were at increased risk compared to White British men and women.
“As we start to see autumn arrive and the colder weather not far behind, it’s important that all older Londoners protect themselves, and those around them, by getting vaccinated.”
To find out if you are eligible, go to nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/
