Flu vaccine uptake rates dropped last winter across all eligible groups in England compared to the previous year

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, is set to launch a scaled-up Get Winter Strong campaign on October 7 to help mitigate the impact of winter viruses, such as flu and COVID-19, on vulnerable populations and ease NHS winter pressures.

At least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu over the past 2 winters (October to May, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024), even though last winter was comparatively mild for flu, according to the latest UKHSA data.

Flu is a deadly virus, particularly for older people and other groups at greatest risk. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is the most effective way to safeguard against the virus.

Concerningly, flu vaccine uptake rates dropped last winter across all eligible groups in England compared to the previous year.

Although uptake among older adults remained high, only 41 per cent people with long-term health conditions, 44 per cent of 2- and 3-year-olds, and just one in three pregnant women received the flu vaccine.

During the same two-year winter period, an estimated 19,500 deaths were linked to COVID-19.

The expanded Get Winter Strong campaign will encourage eligible individuals to receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations when invited, ahead of winter, targeting those at greatest risk.

For the first time, the campaign will also promote respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough vaccinations for pregnant women.

The maternal vaccine provides strong protection for newborns in their first few months when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV.

Older people aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for RSV vaccination this year  Read More….