Figures show flu has killed more than 18,000 people in the past two years, amid fears a ‘triplemic’ of viruses will hit the UK this winter.
Health officials say poor uptake of the flu vaccine will leave Britons vulnerable to the deadly virus, with both Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) predicted to hit hard this season.
The warning follows thousands of people hospitalized in Australia during their winter months, often a harbinger of what will happen in Britain.
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: ‘Today’s data showing that there have been almost 20,000 deaths from flu 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 falling flu vaccination rates among all eligible groups in England last year.
A flu shot. Officials say poor vaccine uptake is leaving Britons vulnerable to flu, with both Covid and RSV set to hit hard this winter
Acceptance among people over 65 was high, but had still fallen, from 79.9 percent to 77.8 percent.
Only four in ten people in clinical risk groups (41.4 percent) took advantage of the offer and less than one in three (32.1 percent) of pregnant women. Although the vaccine is offered to children from two to the end of primary school, vaccination rates among two and three-year-olds also remain low, at just 44 percent.
Maryam Sheiakh, whose six-year-old daughter, Saffy, was hospitalized with the flu two years ago, said parents should 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 fever.
The nursery teacher from Manchester said: ‘I really thought she was going to die.’
She urges parents to have their children vaccinated, which in young children is done with a nasal spray, rather than an injection.
“Just go get it, don’t take any chances,” she said.
Millions of people can now book flu jabs and Covid-19 boosters via the NHS website and app, or by calling 119, with appointments available from October 3. Flu shots are offered to people over 65, everyone from 18 to 65 years of age with clinical risk groups and patients in long-term residential homes.
Only four in ten people in clinical risk groups (41.4 percent) took up the offer of a flu shot and fewer than one in three (32.1 percent) pregnant women were vaccinated
Frontline social workers and people who provide care to the elderly or disabled are also eligible.
Adults over 65, care home residents, staff, frontline health and social care workers and people in clinical risk groups (including pregnant women) are eligible for a Covid booster in the autumn.
A vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was also rolled out last month, with pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 invited to book.
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said vaccines were “the best way to protect yourself from these viruses which can cause serious damage”.