Nearly 4,000 flu deaths prompt vaccination push for older people

Summarised from DevonLive's report · Updated 16 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

Modelling suggests flu caused almost 4,000 deaths in England last winter, prompting health officials to urge vaccination.

The UK Health Security Agency's annual report suggests excess deaths from flu were 3,798 in England last winter. The vaccination programme prevented an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths, despite overall vaccine effectiveness in adults being lower than the previous winter at 21 to 34 per cent. In children, effectiveness was 51 to 68 per cent.

Age UK is urging older people to get vaccinated this autumn and winter. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: '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 added that vaccination could help older people 'stay well, independent and active throughout the colder months'.

The RSV vaccine was around 82 per cent effective at preventing hospital admissions among older adults aged 75 to 79, the agency's figures show. RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can be fatal in older people.

Read the report

• Millions urged to get jab after 3,798 virus deaths in EnglandMultiple viruses are currently circulating and it is not 'just a bad cold'DevonLive · 16 Oct, 06:23

In this story: UK Health Security Agency · Age UK · England

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