Covid-19 and flu vaccinations: Manchester health campaign uses monster characters to urge people to get jabs

Two giant monster characters were unleashed in Manchester city centre as part of a campaign urging people to get their Covid-19 and flu jabs this winter.

The characters are intended to show the problems that could be caused over the next few months by what health experts have dubbed the ‘Duodemic’. People who are eligible for both Covid-19 and flu vaccines this winter are now able to start booking appointments and residents are being urged to check if they are being offered them and then get their jabs.

Health chiefs say they are expecting a difficult winter for the health service with Covid-19 numbers expected to rise once again and flu predicted to be quite severe as well.

How are Greater Manchester health bosses encouraging people to get vaccinated this winter and why?

Health chiefs in Greater Manchester have been expressing concern about the potential trouble both Covid-19 and flu could cause among the population this winter and have dubbed this health threat the ‘duodemic’.

To underline this they have created two monster bugs representing the two viruses. They were unveiled at an event in Manchester Central Library on Friday (21 October) and have also been out and about at the Manchester Arndale shopping centre in the city.

The characters will be visible across the city-region in the coming weeks and are intended to show how a combination of Covid-19 and flu could cause disruption, pose a threat to people’s health and spoil residents’ plans for winter and the festive season.

Health chiefs are also highlighting how people can get vaccinations against both Covid-19 and flu, as well as directing them to other support such as advice to cope with the cost of living crisis.

Who is eligible to get vaccinated?

This autumn, a free Covid-19 booster vaccine is being offered to all adults aged 50 years and over, people aged five to 49 who are in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women, people aged 5 to 49 who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression, people aged 16 to 49 who are carers, residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older people, and frontline health and social care workers.

The flu vaccine is being offered free to people aged 50 and over, those aged over six months to 49 with a specified health condition, some secondary school-aged children, two and three year olds, pregnant women, primary school-aged children, those in care homes, frontline health care workers, frontline social care staff who do not have access to occupational health schemes and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.

What has been said about the vaccination drive?

Dr Helen Wall, director for population health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care and a working GP, said:“This year is different and there is almost a feeling that Covid has gone away. But, it absolutely hasn’t – numbers will go up as we get into the colder months and we also know that flu is predicted to be more severe. Getting either virus can make you very ill, but getting both at the same time is even worse.

“I think people’s motivations for taking action may also have changed: I often hear from my patients now that they are concerned about what they will miss out on by becoming ill, including feeling anxious about losing work especially while we face the hardship brought on by the cost of living crisis.

“The Greater Manchester integrated care system has been preparing as never before for a winter that is likely to be as difficult as recent years. This challenge will add pressures to hospital and care services and everyone can play a part in that by making considered and prompt decisions around their healthcare.”

David Regan, Manchester’s director of public health, said:“It’s really important for people to check if they are eligible for vaccination. I’d also like to remind anyone aged 50 and over that they can now also book in for their Autumn boosters and the flu vaccine on the National Booking Service - but please call 119 if you need any help with booking an appointment. Once again, we thank everyone for their efforts in doing everything they can during difficult times.

“The vaccines protect both you and others, and are still the best form of defence, along with washing hands and staying home if you feel ill. I’m saying to people, act now, so ‘we don’t give Covid and flu anything to do’.”