Ambulance service urges over-65s to get flu vaccination this winter

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

South Central Ambulance Service is encouraging people aged 65 and over to get their flu vaccination this winter to protect against serious illness. Flu can pose significant health risks for older adults, potentially leading to pneumonia, hospitalisation or death.

Duncan Robertson, chief paramedic at SCAS, said: 'Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for people aged 65 and over. What may begin as a respiratory infection can develop into a much more serious condition, leaving someone needing an emergency ambulance and potentially a stay in hospital.'

Last winter, an estimated 4,000 deaths in England were linked to flu, with the majority occurring in people aged 65 and over. The UK Health Security Agency estimates that the flu vaccination programme prevented around 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths in England during the 2025/26 season. Robertson said vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness and can ease pressure on NHS services during a traditionally busy time of year.

How it is being reported

• Ambulance service urges over-65s to get flu jab this winterThe call comes from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which is encouraging people aged 65 and over to get vaccinated as soon as possible.Oxford Mail · 25 Oct, 12:30
• Ambulance service urges over-65s to get flu jab this winterThe call comes from South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS), which is encouraging people aged 65 and over to get vaccinated as soon as possible.Oxfordshire Guardian · 25 Oct, 12:30

In this story: South Central Ambulance Service · Duncan Robertson · UK Health Security Agency · England

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