Older people across West Sussex urged to take up available vaccinations ahead of winter
The founder of a West Sussex home care service has urged older people throughout the county not to become complacent and to ensure they receive all vaccinations for which they are eligible ahead of this winter.
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that flu was linked to around 4,000 deaths in England during winter 2025-26.
However, the national flu vaccination programme is estimated to have prevented approximately 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths.
With respiratory viruses expected to circulate again this winter, Doris Winyama, founder of DORZ Care Services Ltd, is encouraging eligible older people to take up their flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations.
Older adults are at greater risk of developing serious illness, requiring hospitalisation and experiencing complications from these infections.
Vaccination can play an important role in reducing these risks and helping older people maintain their health and independence.
DORZ Care Services also highlighted the growing impact of respiratory diseases on the NHS, which account for approximately 700,000 hospital admissions and six million bed days annually.
Recent evidence further demonstrates the importance of protection against RSV, with the RSV vaccine shown to be around 82 per cent effective at preventing hospital admissions among adults aged 75 to 80.
Doris Winyama, founder of DORZ Care Services Ltd, said: “Vaccinations remain one of the most effective ways to protect older people from serious illness and help them stay well and independent throughout the winter months.
“We encourage older people, as well as their families and carers, to check eligibility and book vaccinations as soon as possible.”