Last winter, people in the Southwest were urged to get the flu vaccine after vaccination rates declined compared to the previous year.
The UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA) said the figures were low for people in all eligibility groups in 2023.
Data shows there were at least 18,000 flu-related deaths over the past two winters combined.
Southwest Medical Director Dr. Kelna Bavaria said vaccines are the “best defense” against influenza and coronavirus and urged everyone who is eligible to make an appointment to get vaccinated.
Last year saw a peak in influenza in the week before Christmas, followed by a resurgence in late January, leading to a sharp increase in the number of people needing hospital admission, according to the UK Health Agency.
The jab is available to everyone over 65, people under 65 with certain medical conditions, children and infants over six months of age, and all pregnant women.
For the first time this year, pregnant women and seniors aged 75 to 79 will also be eligible for the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, which protects against respiratory syncytial virus.
UKHSA South West Regional Health Protection Director Professor Dominic Mellon said influenza could “tragically kill thousands of people every year”.
“Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is the best protection,” he said.
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions, you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young children who get the flu are also much more likely to be hospitalized. .”
The South West figures cover the Isles of Scilly to Swindon.
