Drop in London Flu Shots Warning Ahead of Winter
UKHSA, 30 September 2024
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.
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[1], where we 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.
The London region is no exception and has the lowest rate of vaccination uptake in England, with only 66% of 65-year-olds and 37% of 2-and-3-year-olds receiving the flu vaccine.
However, evidence shows the important impact for those who had last year’s flu vaccine with a national 30% reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised and a national 74% reduction in those between 2 and 17 years of age.
To help reduce the impact of winter viruses on those most at risk, as well as ease NHS winter pressures, the 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 including pregnant women who will be encouraged to get their RSV vaccine for the first time, as well as the whooping cough vaccination.
Pregnant women and older people aged 75-79 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 Yvonne Young, London Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA, said:
“As winter approaches we are likely to see many viruses, including flu, COVID and RSV, circulating in London. The colder weather will also mean people socialising more indoors and these viruses will be able to spread much more easily. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.
“Flu can be very serious and if you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions you are at greater risk of becoming seriously ill. Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to be hospitalised.
“So we are asking people to take action to avoid the risks of these infections. if you or your child are offered the winter vaccines, don’t delay in booking an appointment. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any questions.”
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 jabs, pregnant women should speak to their maternity service and older adults to their GP practice to arrange, as the NHS rolls out additional protection for those most at risk ahead of winter.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening:
“Today’s data showing there were almost 20,000 deaths associated to flu over the past two 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.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne said:
“I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations as soon as possible. They are without doubt the best way to protect yourself from these viruses that can cause serious harm.”
Every year the World Health Organization recommends which strains should be included in the flu vaccine, with the UKHSA contributing to this work. Vaccines are then developed to help fight off the types of flu viruses expected to be circulating in the coming season. As the viruses can change every year, and protection from the vaccine reduces over time, it is important those eligible get a vaccine every year.
The Get Winter Strong campaign will run for 10 weeks and will appear on broadcast TV, on demand and community TV, as well as radio channels, outdoor poster sites across England and on social media channels.