Vaccine education 'imperative', says health boss

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will implement a vaccination improvement plan

Health bosses in Shropshire are hoping to maximise vaccination uptake this winter.

A meeting of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin health board heard that the plan included a "think vaccination" campaign to support people to make informed decisions about jabs for illnesses including flu, Covid, measles, mumps and rubella, plus respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The programme would be implemented by "providing clear, consistent and accessible information, reinforcing confidence, and signposting to services at the point of need".

Vanessa Whatley, chief nursing officer, said that because there had been a lot of new vaccinations, it was "really hard" for the public to grasp information about them.

"I think we've all got a role in really making sure that we help people to find out which vaccines are needed, and help with that vaccine hesitancy as well," she said.

"We are really fortunate in Shropshire that we have pretty decent vaccination rates in most areas, but there's always room for improvement, particularly in those maternal vaccinations where people might naturally be more hesitant."

Barriers to uptake would be addressed through targeted communications and engagement, the meeting heard.

According to official figures, there has been a small drop in the number of over-65s in the West Midlands getting the flu jab between the periods 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Who can get a flu vaccine?

People are offered a free NHS flu vaccine if they are:

• aged 65 or older

• have certain long-term health conditions

• are pregnant

• live in a care home

• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance

• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Children and pregnant women were eligible for a flu vaccine from 1 September, with other eligible groups able to have one from 1 October.

Appointments for those aged 18 or over can be booked at a pharmacy online or via the NHS App, while pharmacy vaccination appointments can also be booked for children aged between two and three years old.

For those not eligible for a free jab, they may be able to pay for one at some pharmacies, the NHS said.