NHS warns of 18,000 flu deaths since 2022 as it urges vaccination uptake

At least 18,000 deaths in England were associated with flu over the past two winters, figures have revealed, as health experts urge those eligible to take up a free vaccination on the NHS.

The figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) cover the period from October to May in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Over the same timeframe UKHSA estimates a little more than 19,500 deaths were associated with Covid.

Steve Russell, the NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said:

“Today’s data showing there were almost 20,000 deaths associated to flu over the past two winters is a shocking reminder that this is a seriously dangerous virus, and I urge those who are eligible to book their vaccine appointment as soon as they can as it is our best way of protecting those who are vulnerable as winter approaches.”

UKHSA said uptake of the flu vaccine fell last winter compared with the year before across all eligible groups, including the very young, elderly people and pregnant women. Among people aged six months to 65 years with one or more long-term health condition uptake declined from 49.1% in the winter of 2022-2023 to 41.4% in the winter of 2023-2024.

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Source: The Guardian, 30 September 2024