Recent data has unveiled that in England, at least 18,000 deaths were linked to the flu during the past two winters. Health experts are strongly advising those who qualify to get a free flu vaccination through the NHS.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported these figures for the periods of October to May in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. During this time frame, UKHSA estimates that just over 19,500 deaths were associated with Covid.
Steve Russell, the NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, emphasized:
“The revelation of nearly 20,000 flu-related deaths over the last two winters is a stark reminder of how dangerous this virus can be. I urge those eligible to schedule their vaccine appointment promptly as it is our best defense in safeguarding vulnerable individuals as winter approaches.”
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According to UKHSA data, there was a decrease in flu vaccine uptake last winter compared to the previous year across all eligible groups including young children, elderly individuals, and pregnant women. Among individuals aged six months to 65 years with chronic health conditions, uptake dropped from 49.1% in the winter of 2022-2023 to 41.4% in the winter of 2023-2024.
Prof Sir Andrew Pollard from the University of Oxford highlighted that influenza poses a significant risk to older adults with health issues and frailty and contributes significantly to NHS winter pressures.
“Winter is approaching. I urge all eligible individuals to protect themselves and alleviate strain on our hospitals,” he stated.
In collaboration with UKHSA and the Department of Health and Social Care, the NHS is launching a new campaign named “Get Winter Strong” across various media platforms including TV and radio aiming at encouraging eligible people to avail themselves of free vaccinations against winter viruses.
Adam Finn from University of Bristol mentioned that there are increasing numbers of vaccines available on NHS for protecting newborns and elderly people from severe respiratory infections during winters.
In addition to vaccines against Covid and flu offered this autumn for various groups; vaccinations against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are now accessible for pregnant women along with older adults aged between75 -79 years old.
Finn also pointed out that ensuring those who qualify actually receive these vaccinations remains a challenge.
“A common debate revolves around whether insufficient or declining coverage rates are due inadequate resources within NHS delivery or growing hesitancy fueled by anti-vaccine misinformation,” he explained.
He further added: “In reality these factors are closely intertwined since healthcare professionals delivering vaccines serve as trusted sources providing quality information.”