By Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most significant threats facing modern healthcare. Across Essex, we are already seeing infections that are harder to treat, longer recovery times and growing demand for n NHS services. As we mark World Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Awareness Week, it is important that we look at how we can prevent infections, protect antibiotics for those that really need them, and keep our communities well this winter.
Why vaccination matters in preventing antibiotic resistance
Vaccines reduce the number of infections circulating in the community. Fewer infections mean fewer GP appointments, fewer hospital admissions and fewer prescriptions for antibiotics, which in turn slows the development of resistance.
Vaccination supports antibiotic protection by:
- Preventing bacterial infections directly, such as pneumococcal and meningococcal disease.
- Reducing complications from viral illnesses, where secondary bacterial infections often require antibiotics.
- Protecting vulnerable people who are more likely to need intensive treatment if they become unwell.
Locally, we continue to see the difference vaccination makes. Last winter, more than 2,000 adults in mid and south Essex were admitted to hospital with flu-related illness. UKHSA estimates show that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of hospitalisation in adults by 50%, and by up to 60% in children.
Current vaccination uptake – and why it matters
Uptake across our area remains too low:
- Adults with long-term health conditions: 31.4% vaccinated
- Pregnant women: 26.2% vaccinated
- 2- to 3-year-olds: 34% vaccinated
- Children aged 6 months to 18 in clinical-risk groups: 37% vaccinated
Overall, fewer than half of eligible residents have come forward for a free flu vaccine so far.
These figures matter. Last year nearly 300 local children were admitted to hospital with flu, with more than half having not been vaccinated. Among adults, 3 in 4 flu-related hospital admissions were emergencies, and most were in people who had not received their vaccine.
Flu cases rising earlier than usual
This year, flu activity is increasing earlier and faster than we would typically expect. Some predictions suggest this could become one of the most challenging flu seasons in a decade.
A new strain of influenza is circulating, yet early UKHSA data show the 2025/26 flu vaccine remains highly effective:
- 70–75% effective at preventing hospital attendance in children
- 30–40% effective in adults
Vaccination is one of our strongest tools to prevent infection, protect those at highest risk and reduce the need for antibiotics.
When antibiotics are and aren’t needed
Many common winter illnesses get better without antibiotics. Conditions such as sore throat, earache, sinus infections, coughs and colds are usually caused by viruses. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections and will not help symptoms settle more quickly.
Self-care is often the safest and most effective approach:
- Rest, keep warm and stay hydrated.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and discomfort.
- Speak to a pharmacist for tailored advice and over-the-counter remedies.
- Use throat lozenges, saline sprays or simple home treatments to ease symptoms.
Your local pharmacist can advise whether further assessment is needed. For worsening symptoms or if you are unsure, NHS 111 is available 24/7.
Where to get your flu vaccine
To make it as easy as possible to get protected:
- Most pharmacies across Essex offer walk-in vaccinations for adults.
- Pharmacies can now give the nasal spray to 2 and 3-year-olds.
- Eligible residents can book via the NHS App, nhs.uk/BookFlu, call 119 free of charge, or through their GP.
- Information on local vaccination clinics and winter health advice is available on the Mid and South Essex Winter Health Hub.
Remember, the vaccine takes around two weeks to become fully effective, so now is the time to act.
Don’t forget the pneumococcal vaccine
While flu and COVID-19 vaccines receive a lot of public attention, the pneumococcal vaccine is also a vital part of protecting both individual health and antibiotic effectiveness.
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause a range of serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infections. These often require antibiotics and can lead to severe complications, particularly in older adults, young children and people with long-term conditions.
The pneumococcal vaccine helps by:
- Preventing bacterial pneumonia – a major cause of hospital admissions each winter.
- Reducing antibiotic use by preventing infections that almost always require antibiotic treatment.
- Protecting high-risk groups, including those aged 65 and over, people with certain long-term conditions and some children under the routine immunisation schedule.
For most people, the pneumococcal vaccine is aone-off vaccination offered to people at higher risk of serious illness. Those eligible include:
- All adults aged 65 and over (one-off vaccination)
- Babies and young children as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule
- People aged 6 months to 64 years with certain long-term conditions, including chronic heart, lung, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, conditions that weaken the immune system such as cancer treatment or HIV or Cerebrospinal fluid leaks or cochlear implants
If you fall into one of these groups and have not yet had your pneumococcal vaccine, please speak to your GP practice. Protection is long-lasting, and the vaccine plays an essential role in keeping people out of hospital.
Looking ahead
Antibiotics are the foundation of modern medicine, underpinning everything from routine surgery to cancer treatment. Protecting their effectiveness is a shared responsibility.
By coming forward for vaccination, practicing good self-care for minor illnesses and using antibiotics only when clinically needed, we can help safeguard these lifesaving medicines for future generations.