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Health and social care staff are so concerned about the rising number of patients with flu, and slow uptake of vaccination, they have launched a hard-hitting awareness campaign asking the public to take action to keep themselves and their families safe. 

Nearly 8,000 people died from flu last year in the UK. Local hospitals Queen Elizabeth, Heartlands, Solihull, Good Hope, Midland Metropolitan, alone, have nearly 150 inpatients with flu, and five in intensive care. 

Data shows that in Birmingham and Solihull only 25% of two and three-year-olds, less than one in three pregnant women and only 59% of over 65-year-olds have been vaccinated. 

Two short videos tell the distressing story of a mum choosing a hair appointment over her flu jab, and a young man with asthma, choosing football over vaccination – both with fatal consequences, both based on real-life patient cases. 

As well as the videos, adverts have gone live this week on high streets throughout East Birmingham, where uptake is particularly low, encouraging eligible patients to come forward for their vaccination. 

Dr Aftab Arif, GP at Hall Green Health, said: "Flu can be a serious illness which leads to severe, life-limiting or even life-threatening complications for some patients. It's absolutely vital as many people as possible get their vaccination to protect not only themselves, but their loved ones and those around them too. The virus is circulating early this year, and we're already seeing huge numbers of patients contacting their GP and going to hospital for what is an avoidable illness." 

Margaret Garbett, Chief Nurse, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We really need to take flu seriously. It is not just a cold – it can be life-threatening for many people. It’s not too late to get your jab this year.” 

Dr Mohit Mandiratta, GP at Feldon Practice in Halesowen and non-executive director at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust added: “Flu season has come early this year, with some people being taken by surprise, contracting flu before they’ve got around to getting vaccinated. If you are invited for a vaccine, please do not put it off, get protected as soon as you are offered an appointment. Flu can make you feel very unwell and you can transmit it to your loved ones before you realise, so please do not underestimate the importance of the flu jab, to protect yourself, your family and friends this winter.” 

Local people are strongly encouraged to go to a local pharmacy or their GP practice as soon as possible. Family, friends, neighbours and colleagues are also being asked to check that their loved ones have had their jab.