Concern over fall in flu vaccine uptake across the South West
The number dropped in all high risk groups
People are being reminded to get there flu vaccine after a drop in uptake across the South West.
The number of older people getting the vaccine last year remained high at 81% with 46.5% of people with long-term health conditions, 37.1% of pregnant women and just over half of 2-and-3-year-olds all receiving the vaccine.
All of these numbers were down on the number of vaccinations in 2022/23.
Last year also 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.
Latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data shows over the past two winters at least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu, despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season.
Professor Dominic Mellon, Deputy Regional Director of Health Protection at UKHSA South West said:
“As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which can tragically 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.
Adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes, those with long-term health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years, 2 and 3 year olds and pregnant women are all eligible for the vaccine.
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.