Health experts have warned that complacency over the flu vaccine could overwhelm the NHS, as new data shows a decline in take-up among vulnerable groups. The government has announced plans to double the number of people vaccinated this year, from 15 million to 30 million, amid fears of a winter surge in coronavirus cases.
Analysis by the BBC reveals that the proportion of people under 65 with serious health conditions receiving a free flu jab has fallen. Local authorities in England saw an average of 45% uptake last winter, down from 50% in 2015. The UK government aims to vaccinate 55% of this group, while the World Health Organization recommends 75%.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the expansion of the flu programme was crucial because "we don't want a flu outbreak at the same time as dealing with coronavirus". He confirmed that more vaccine has been purchased and the law changed to allow more healthcare professionals to administer jabs.
Dr Tonia Thomas of the Vaccine Knowledge Trust said many people in risk groups underestimate the severity of flu, adding: "It is only when they contract an infection that they realise their body responds differently." Meanwhile, long Covid sufferer Jeanne Jarvis-Gibson described the vaccine as "vital now more than ever".
Between September 2019 and February 2020, nearly 8,000 people died from flu in England alone, though in 2017-18 the figure was over 22,000. Health officials are urging eligible individuals to take up the offer to prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.
