AGE UK is urging older people to safeguard their health this winter by taking up the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines as soon as they become eligible.

The rollout of the 2024 winter vaccination programme comes as hospital admissions for respiratory illnesses rise sharply, particularly among older age groups. The charity warns that failing to get vaccinated could leave those most vulnerable at serious risk as the colder months approach.

Sharp rise in RSV cases
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows a dramatic increase in hospital admissions for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among older people. Between October and November 2024, RSV admissions for the 65-74 age group surged from 0.3 to 2.92 per 100,000 patients. For those aged 75-84, the rate climbed from 0.5 to 5.95 per 100,000 patients, while for people aged 85 and above, rates soared from 1.27 to 14.05.

RSV can cause symptoms similar to a cold, but for older people, it can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis. This year, for the first time, the NHS is offering an RSV vaccine to adults turning 75 on or after September 1, alongside a catch-up campaign for those aged 75-79 by August 31.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines remain vital
Age UK emphasised that the COVID-19 and flu vaccines remain crucial tools in preventing serious illness. According to UKHSA surveillance reports, those aged 85 and above had the highest hospital admission rates for flu between December 2023 and May 2024, followed closely by those aged 75-84.

While flu vaccine uptake has been lower this season compared to last year, studies show it remains effective, reducing hospitalisation rates by up to 30% in those aged 65 and above.

Charity Director calls for action
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said: “This winter is shaping up to be another challenging one for older people, with concerns about keeping warm, rising food costs, and changes to the Winter Fuel Payment. However, one practical step we can all take is having the vaccines we’re offered to reduce the risk of serious illness.

“Alongside getting vaccinated, older people can stay healthier by managing long-term conditions, eating well, keeping warm, and washing hands regularly. These small steps can make a big difference.”

How to book your vaccines
The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be booked via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free. Some people will also be contacted by their GP practice. The RSV vaccine, however, will be offered separately, with eligible patients being invited directly by their GP.

Ms Abrahams added: “If you’re eligible for any of these vaccines, I urge you to take up the opportunity. Protecting yourself now could make all the difference this winter.”

Age UK acknowledges that some older people may feel frustrated if they are not currently eligible for the RSV vaccine, but the charity remains hopeful that eligibility will expand in the future.

For more information, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP.

TUCKING into turkey, enjoying a festive tipple, and spending precious time with family and friends is a Christmas routine familiar to many. But for some, Christmas Day looks very different as they don helmets, radios, or headsets to keep communities safe.

Here are three Dyfed-Powys Police officers and staff who will be on duty this festive season.

Dog handler PC Hannah Jones

PC Hannah Jones, based in Carmarthenshire, will spend her first Christmas as a dog handler alongside her three-year-old police dog, Rogue.

Hannah, who has worked in the force for six years, previously spent Christmas on response duties in Llanelli. This year, she will work a 7:00am to 2:00pm shift.

She said: “I don’t mind working Christmas; there’s always good team spirit. I don’t have children, so if I can help others, I will. When I was in Llanelli, our sergeant brought us bacon sandwiches, and everyone brought in festive treats.”

Hannah explained that her shift will start at home with Rogue: “She’ll have a few extra treats – not too many in case she’s needed. The last thing we want is a sluggish dog!”

Reflecting on her work, she added: “You never know what Christmas Day will bring, from attending to vulnerable or missing people to domestics. It’s rewarding to know you can make a difference, especially if it’s someone’s worst Christmas.”

Inspector Geraint Griffith

Inspector Geraint Griffith, Force Incident Manager (FIM), will spend his last Christmas on duty before retiring in the new year – and celebrating his 54th birthday. He will coordinate incidents from the Force Communications Centre (FCC) during a 6:00pm to 6:00am shift.

This year is special, as he will work alongside his daughter Seren, who recently joined the team as a call handler.

He said: “I volunteered to work this year because Seren will be on her first Christmas shift. I’ll be bringing in her dinner – that’s my main role!”

Reflecting on his career, Geraint added: “I’ve worked more Christmases than I can remember. The incidents are often domestic abuse or violence, mainly fuelled by alcohol or family tensions. It can go from steady to busy very quickly.”

Despite the challenges, he noted the camaraderie: “Even on my 50th birthday, the team brought in a cake and banners. There’s always a good atmosphere.”

He concluded: “I’ve been lucky to see my children on Christmas Day over the years. Hopefully, my last shift will be a relatively calm one.”

Roads Policing Officer PC Gareth Evans

PC Gareth Evans, based in Brecon, will work a 7:00am to 4:00pm shift on Christmas Day, as he has done for many years.

He said: “Mornings are my preferred shift because I can still enjoy the rest of the festivities with family afterwards. I don’t have children, so I’m always happy to help those who do.”

Describing the day, he added: “The shift can range from being completely quiet to very busy. Road traffic collisions and domestic abuse tend to be the main incidents.”

Gareth noted the efforts to keep spirits high: “There’s usually a festive atmosphere, with teams cooking breakfast together or bringing in party food. We all make the most of it.”

After his shift, Gareth will join his wife and in-laws for a Christmas meal: “Working means I cut down on the calorie intake, so that’s a bonus!

SAMUEL KURTZ MS, Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Welsh Language, has urged the Welsh Government to rethink its approach to the ambitious Cymraeg 2050 target following concerns raised in a recent Senedd report.

The Cymraeg 2050 strategy aims to see one million Welsh speakers by the middle of this century, but doubts have been cast over its viability. The Young People and Education Committee’s findings highlight challenges such as a stagnation in the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and a decline in the use of the language among young people.

Mr Kurtz, who represents Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, has joined calls for the Welsh Government to reassess its plans. He said:

“The Welsh Conservatives have long called for a clearer strategy from the Welsh Government to achieve their Cymraeg 2050 target.

“With the number of Welsh speakers declining over the past two decades, it is essential that this trend is reversed. Given the stagnation in the number of Welsh-speaking teachers and the decreasing use of Welsh among young people, the Welsh Government must review why their current plans for Cymraeg 2050 are clearly not working and make the necessary adjustments.”

A Pembrokeshire perspective

In Pembrokeshire, where the heritage of the Welsh language runs deep, the debate is particularly significant. Local communities have seen varied success in maintaining Cymraeg. Welsh-medium education has grown in some areas, with schools such as Ysgol Caer Elen in Haverfordwest playing a vital role, but concerns remain about its accessibility across the county.

Historically, Pembrokeshire has been viewed as a ‘linguistic frontier’, where the Welsh language coexists with English in a delicate balance. Rural areas have held on to their linguistic traditions, but urbanisation and demographic shifts pose challenges.

One key issue lies in the teaching workforce. Without enough Welsh-speaking teachers to inspire and educate the next generation, achieving Cymraeg 2050 becomes increasingly difficult. Calls have also been made for more immersive Welsh-language opportunities outside the classroom to foster the use of Cymraeg in day-to-day life.

Why Cymraeg 2050 matters

At the heart of Cymraeg 2050 is a vision to not only preserve Welsh but to make it a living, thriving language. Campaigners argue that a robust strategy is essential to ensure the language remains relevant for future generations, particularly in areas like Pembrokeshire where cultural heritage is so closely tied to Cymraeg.

Supporters of the target highlight its potential to strengthen community identity and boost economic opportunities, from tourism to creative industries, where bilingualism is a growing asset.

Achievable or aspirational?

While the ambition of Cymraeg 2050 is widely praised, questions linger over whether it is achievable without significant policy changes. Critics argue that without a comprehensive, well-funded strategy addressing education, infrastructure, and community engagement, the target risks being little more than an aspiration.

For Pembrokeshire, the challenge is clear: to celebrate and protect its Welsh-speaking communities while creating opportunities for growth and engagement in Cymraeg for all.

Mr Kurtz’s call for action adds to the mounting pressure on the Welsh Government to deliver a plan that works – not just for now, but for generations to come.

For Pembrokeshire and beyond, the stakes are high. Achieving one million Welsh speakers is about more than just numbers – it’s about ensuring a future where the language continues to live and thrive, from the rural villages of North Pembrokeshire to the bustling streets of Milford Haven.