Health officials urge seniors to take flu, Covid and RSV vaccines after winter deaths
Nearly 4,000 flu-related deaths were recorded last winter in England, prompting charities and health officials to stress vaccination for older adults.
The UK Health Security Agency’s annual report revealed that excess deaths attributed to influenza totaled 3,798 during the previous winter in England, with an estimated 4,000 overall flu-related fatalities. The agency estimates that the flu vaccination programme prevented about 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths, despite a lower effectiveness of 21-34% in adults. Age UK’s director Caroline Abrahams called the death count a stark reminder that flu should not be dismissed as a simple cold for older people.
UKHSA also reported that the RSV vaccine was roughly 82% effective at stopping hospital admissions among adults aged 75-79. Health minister Diana Johnson and NHS England’s Amanda Doyle both urged eligible seniors to book their free flu, Covid-19 or RSV vaccinations promptly to protect health and reduce pressure on the NHS.
Why it matters
Vaccination can significantly lower severe illness and hospital strain for vulnerable older adults during flu season.
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