Boris URGES un-vaxed Brits to get boosted as he pledges tests WILL remain free

Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing you can do this winter

This is a comment piece by Dr Zoe Williams

OUR NHS is facing extraordinary pressures at the moment.

It’s not unusual at this time of year – I can’t remember a single year since I qualified where we haven’t had a very challenging winter.

When temperatures plummet below zero, we see a huge increase in people suffering heart attacks and strokes, because the blood is more likely to clot.

There’s a higher risk of pneumonia and, of course, it’s also flu season. And that’s all before you add Covid into the mix.

This year, like last winter before it, we are seeing a system that was already at capacity being pushed beyond its limit.

The health service can’t take much more, and the incredible staff who work in the NHS have endured a gruelling two years and haven’t had a break.

So, with the inevitable pressures that the NHS is facing, it’s important to remember that every single one of us can do our bit to help. First and foremost, you can protect yourself against Covid. Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself, your family, friends, wider society and our NHS.

I understand there are still people who are hesitant, but my advice is get your jabs and booster – get every vaccine available to you. We know they are safe and effective. And recent data has shown they make a huge difference against Omicron, with 90 per cent of patients in some ICUs unjabbed.