Fewer people offered flu vaccinations last year, and health authorities have warned that the UK could face an even harsher winter if the same thing happens again.
According to the UK Health and Safety Agency (UKHSA), at least 18,000 people have died from influenza-related illnesses in the past few years, despite a relatively mild flu season.
Every year, the NHS offers free flu vaccinations to people who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill with influenza (also known as influenza).
In the UK, vaccination rates among older people remained high last year, but only one in three pregnant women received the vaccine. For people with long-term health conditions, the uptake rate was about 4 in 10, compared with 5 in 10 the previous year.
Vaccinations for 2- and 3-year-olds also decreased slightly, with just over 4 in 10 now vaccinated.
This follows concerns from the UK NHS over the possibility of ‘tripleemia’ between influenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Although people can be infected with these common viruses year-round, influenza is especially common in the winter.
Most people recover completely from the flu, but it can cause severe illness and even death.
Some years have worse influenza cases and deaths than others. In the 2017-2018 season, there were 22,500 excess influenza-related deaths.
It’s unclear how bad this year will be.
Countries in the Northern Hemisphere, such as the UK, are looking to countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Australia, to predict what will happen.
Australia’s winter flu season appears to be coming to an end, but data reveals it is similar to recent flu outbreaks.
However, some countries in southern Africa and South America (Chile, Ecuador and Uruguay) had high levels of influenza transmission.
The nature of influenza viruses is constantly evolving, so vaccines are regularly updated to ensure they are the best possible.
The NHS flu vaccine will be provided free of charge if:
People who are over 65 have certain long-term health conditions Are pregnant Live in a care home Are the primary carer of an elderly or disabled person or receive carer’s allowance Have a weakened immune system live with someone who
Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu shot starting October 3, with some people already receiving invitations.
Children are offered the influenza vaccine as a nasal spray.
The influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines such as coronavirus and shingles.
It is not usually given at the same time as the RSV vaccine, but if your doctor or nurse deems it necessary, it can be given at the same time.
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director of Immunization, said: ‘As winter approaches, we are seeing many dangerous viruses, including influenza, circulating in our communities, causing thousands of deaths each year. “Vaccination in advance of winter is the best protection.”
“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. .
“So if you or your child is advised to get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus, do not delay. If you have any concerns, please speak to your nurse or doctor. Please consult.”
Those eligible for the autumn coronavirus booster include adults aged 65 and over, care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers and people in clinical risk groups, including pregnant women.
