Health officials and leading charities are urging older adults across England to get vaccinated after new figures revealed that flu was responsible for nearly 4,000 deaths last winter. According to the annual report published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), excess deaths linked to flu reached an estimated 3,798 during the previous winter season.
In response to the figures, health leaders are stressing that seasonal respiratory illnesses should never be dismissed as minor ailments.
Vaccination remains best defence
"While currently these virus levels are low, we can’t easily predict what may happen over the coming weeks and vaccination remains our best defence," said Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UKHSA. "If eligible, book your free NHS flu, Covid-19 or RSV vaccine or ensure your child receives their easy and painless nose spray flu vaccine as soon as possible, before viruses start circulating more widely this winter."
Despite vaccine effectiveness in adults being lower last winter - ranging between 21% and 34% - the NHS vaccination programme still had a major impact. UKHSA data estimates that the rollout prevented roughly 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths in England alone.
In children, who frequently spread flu to older relatives and can become severely ill themselves, the vaccine showed a higher effectiveness rate of 51% to 68%.
RSV vaccine impact and charity warning
Additionally, figures demonstrated that the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine was 82% effective at preventing hospital admissions among adults aged 75 to 79. RSV commonly causes mild cold symptoms but can prove fatal to older and more vulnerable populations.
Charity Age UK joined health officials in urging older people not to delay booking their jabs this autumn and winter. Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, highlighted the human cost of seasonal infections.
"Nearly 4,000 deaths linked to flu in a single winter is a stark reminder that these seasonal viruses should never be dismissed as just a bad cold, particularly in later life," she said. "Many older people are already facing challenges this winter, including concerns about energy costs, keeping warm and managing existing health conditions."
"Having the vaccinations you are entitled to is one practical step you can take to protect your health," Ms Abrahams added. She also appealed to friends and family to check in on older relatives and assist them in booking appointments if necessary.
Current low levels but unpredictable peaks
Latest UKHSA surveillance indicates flu is currently circulating at low levels, with hospital admissions standing at 1.9 per 100,000 people - a similar rate to the same period in previous years. However, officials warn that winter peaks can arrive unpredictably early, as seen last year when flu cases peaked in early December.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, confirmed that more than seven million people have already taken up their flu jab this season. Health Minister Dame Diana Johnson added her support to the campaign, saying: "During the winter months, dangerous viruses spread more easily, posing an increased risk to older people and those with existing health conditions, who are more vulnerable."
"I am proud to support Age UK’s campaign and encourage everyone who has not yet come forward to book life-saving vaccinations against flu, Covid-19 and RSV as soon as possible," she added.
If you are over 65, pregnant, or have an underlying health condition, you are eligible for free NHS seasonal vaccines. Eligible individuals can book their flu, Covid-19, and RSV vaccinations through the official NHS Website or NHS App, by calling 119, or by contacting their local GP surgery or visiting a participating pharmacy.
