The flu has killed more than 18,000 people in the past two years, figures reveal, amid fears a virus “tripledemic” will hit the UK this winter.
Health officials say poor flu vaccine uptake will leave Britons vulnerable to the deadly virus, with Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also predicted to hit hard this season.
The warning comes after the hospitalization of thousands of people in Australia during the winter months, often a precursor to what will happen in the UK.
Steve Russell, national director of vaccination and screening for NHS England, said: “Today’s data showing there were almost 20,000 flu-associated deaths over the last two winters is a shocking reminder that this is a seriously dangerous virus. “.
He added that the vaccine is “the best way to protect those who are vulnerable.” New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed a drop in flu vaccination rates across all eligible groups in England last year.
A flu vaccine. Officials say poor vaccine uptake is leaving Britons vulnerable to catching flu, with both Covid and RSV set to be hit hardest this winter.
Acceptance among people over 65 was high, but had still declined, falling from 79.9 percent to 77.8 percent.
Only four in ten people in clinical risk groups (41.4 percent) took up the offer and less than one in three (32.1 percent) of pregnant women. Although the vaccine is offered to children from age two until the end of primary school, uptake among two- and three-year-olds also remains low: just 44 percent.
Maryam Sheiakh, whose six-year-old daughter, Saffy, was hospitalized with the flu two years ago, said parents need to take it seriously. Saffy required oxygen and spent days in the high dependency unit at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after being admitted with a cough and high temperature.
The nursery teacher, from Manchester, said: “I honestly thought I might die.”
She urges parents to vaccinate their children, which is done through a nasal spray in younger ones, rather than an injection.
“Just go and get it, don’t take any chances,” he said.
Millions of people can now book flu jabs and Covid-19 boosters through the NHS website and app, or by calling 119, with appointments starting on October 3. Flu vaccines are offered to people 65 years of age and older, and anyone 18 to 65 years of age at clinical risk. groups and patients in long-term residences.
Only four in ten people in clinical risk groups (41.4 percent) took up the offer to get a flu vaccine and fewer than one in three (32.1 percent) pregnant women were vaccinated.
Frontline social care workers and people who provide care to older or disabled people are also eligible.
Adults over 65, care home residents, staff, frontline health and social workers and people in clinical risk groups (including pregnant women) are eligible to receive a Covid booster dose in autumn.
A respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was also launched last month, with pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 invited to book.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said vaccines are “the best way to protect yourself from these viruses which can cause serious harm”.
