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.

A PEMBROKESHIRE couple who held a hog roast celebration to mark their caravan site’s 60^th anniversary, have donated funds raised on the night to the Wales Air Ambulance.

Anthony and Alys Daye, who own Brandy Brook Caravan and Camping site in Haycastle recently handed over a cheque for £684 to the lifesaving charity.

Alys, who has two sons and two daughters, as well as five grandchildren said: “We live in such a beautiful, secluded part of North Pembrokeshire and appreciate the importance of the air ambulance.

“Thousands of visitors head to our region each year and we are part of a big farming community too. We produce fattened lamb as well as running the camp site.

“Living where we do it is always reassuring to know that the service is there if someone is facing a critical health situation.”

The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. 

It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the charity’s vehicles.

62-year-old Alys said: “We wanted to do something special to mark the 60^th anniversary of the caravan site.

“It’s been in the family all that time. My parents opened it, then we supported them as  they got older and we took over when they both passed away.”

She continued: “We are totally off grid, with the ethos and fundamental things not changing much since 1962. It’s very back to basics, which is the market we are looking for, for those who want to get away from it all.

“We are at the bottom of a wooded valley, with a brook running through it with trout. Otters have been spotted there too and there is plenty of wildlife in the surrounding woodland.”

Alys says there have been “a number of different incidents nearby”, where “holidaymakers have needed the air ambulance”. 

She said: “The service is essential, and that’s why we decided to hold a pig roast, inviting family, friends, and our loyal customers. 

“We thought instead of charging people to come along, it would be nice to ask for donations for the air ambulance.

“There was one chap who was so generous, he brought along a mini-motorbike and then decided to auction it off to help raise funds, which was so kind of him.”

The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road and attends around 4,000 patients each year.

Alys said: “We support the charity throughout the year by keeping a collection box on the counter in the shop and we ask people to donate.

“But we would really like to do another event in aid of the air ambulance next year.”

Mike May, Regional Fundraising Manager for Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire said: “We are hugely grateful to Alys and Anthony Daye for thinking of us on the 60^th anniversary of their family-run business!

“It’s an honour that our charity was the sole beneficiary of their fundraiser to celebrate their caravan site. I am sure it has brought much joy to thousands of people over the decades.

“We travel the length and breadth of Wales each year helping thousands of people wherever and whenever they need us. Without the kindness of our supporters, like the Dayes we really would not be able to continue to do what we do.”

CALLS to improve the communication of road closures at a regularly flood-hit road at the entrance to Tenby are to be heard by senior councillors.

The Gumfreston area near the south Pembrokeshire seaside town is regularly hit with flood, and councillors recently heard its existing warning system appeared to not like working when its wet.

In a submitted question before the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, Cllr Rhys Jordan said: “The B4318 at Gumfreston is prone to persistent flooding during adverse weather conditions, leading to road closures that disrupt travel and pose safety risks for residents and motorists.

“Currently, closures are not effectively communicated to residents, causing inconvenience, delays, and potential hazards. An efficient alert system would provide timely information to residents, allowing them to plan alternative routes and ensuring safety.”

Back in October, Cllr Jordan had asked at full council for an update on progress made toward improving the flood warning system in the Gumfreston area.

He had asked: “Can you give me an assurance that the flood warning system will actually work this autumn and winter?

“Only yesterday [October 16] the road was flooded and no warning signs were on; it seems to work when the road is not flooded, but they don’t like operating when its wet.”

He described it as “probably the most closed road in the county,” but one where there was the least communication on.

Members were previously given a ‘full commitment’ to improvements to the warning systems would be made, with the December full council agreeing the question be submitted to a future meeting of the county council’s Cabinet for further consideration.