Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows that over the past 2 winters (October to May, 2022 to 2023 and 2023 to 2024) at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season.
While pandemic restrictions and social behaviours saw flu levels fall dramatically for a few years, these latest mortality figures are a stark reminder that flu is a deadly virus, particularly for older people and other groups at greatest risk, the UK government said.
Of real concern is the drop in the flu vaccine uptake rates last winter across all eligibility groups in England compared with the previous year.
While uptake in older people last year remained high, only 4 in 10 (41 per cent) people with long-term health conditions, just over 4 in 10 (44 per cent) 2- and 3-year-olds, and just 1 in 3 pregnant women received the flu vaccine.
Evidence shows the significant impact from last year’s flu vaccine with a 30 per cent reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised and a 74 per cent reduction in those between 2 and 17 years of age.
In the same two-year winter period the estimated number of deaths associated with COVID-19 was just over 19,500.
To help reduce the impact of winter viruses on those most at risk, as well as ease NHS winter pressures, UKHSA – with Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England – is set to launch a scaled-up Get Winter Strong campaign on the 7 October.
The campaign will urge those eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccination when invited, ahead of winter, targeting those at greatest risk and for the first time will encourage pregnant women to also get their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough vaccination.
Last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised, due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and then again at the end of January.
Pregnant women and older people aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for a RSV vaccination for the first time this year, with the maternal vaccine providing strong protection for newborns in their first few months, when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director of Immunisation, said: “As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which tragically can kill thousands of people every year.
“Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions, you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill.
“Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised.
“So if you or your child are offered the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines, don’t delay in getting them.
“Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any concerns.”
As of last week, millions of eligible people in England can now book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines through the NHS, with appointments starting from 3 October.
For their RSV jab, pregnant women and older adults should speak to their maternity service or GP practice to arrange it, as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said: “Today’s data showing there were almost 20,000 deaths associated to flu over the past 2 winters is a shocking reminder that this is a seriously dangerous virus, and I urge those who are eligible to book their vaccine appointment as soon as they can as it is our best way of protecting those who are vulnerable as winter approaches.
“Thanks to the hard work of our NHS staff, life-saving flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines are being rolled out across the country in places that are as convenient as possible for people who need them.
“Flu and COVID-19 jab appointments are now available to book via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 for free – making it as easy as possible for people to get vaccinated.”