Urgent call for vaccinations as swine flu poses winter threat

Between October and March, flu caused more than 14,000 excess deaths and more than 10,000 children were admitted to hospital with the illness. Covid was responsible for 10,300 deaths.

However, modelling carried out by the organisation revealed the flu vaccine programme prevented about 25,000 hospital admissions last winter, with a little under 50,000 recorded for the season.

The UKHSA is urging vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women, young children and people with chronic conditions to come forward for their jabs.

‘Flu and Covid circulated last winter, causing significant peaks and resulting in thousands of hospitalisations and deaths. It is important that we are protected against both,’ said deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite.

‘Vaccination is our strongest form of defence, so if you are eligible, please come forward and get your jabs as soon as possible.’

The national flu and Covid-19 vaccine programme was rolled out earlier than planned this year due to discovery of a new Covid variant, BA.2.86, which had a higher than normal number of mutations. Vaccination began on September 11 rather than in October.

Named Pirola, the new strain does not appear to be more severe or contagious than other variants.

However, the UKHSA has warned of the resurgence of H1N1, also known as swine flu, which has been circulating at high levels in recent months during Australia’s winter season.

Swine flu first took hold in 2009, causing a global pandemic. Although less severe than initially feared, it still led to one of the UK’s most deadly flu outbreaks in decades.

The UKHSA said data from this year’s winter in the southern hemisphere shows flu vaccines are ‘well-matched’ against the current strains circulating.

‘After beginning the NHS winter vaccination campaign early, this winter rollout will continue our tireless efforts to equip our communities with immunity against Covid and flu and protect the most vulnerable among us,’ said vaccines minister Maria Caulfield.

‘Flu placed a greater burden on hospitals than Covid last year, so it’s essential that we all take part in reducing pressure on the health system by booking our Covid and flu jabs as soon as possible to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from infection.’

Ms Caulfield added that the NHS has already administered flu jabs to 2.8 million people since September, along with more than one million autumn Covid jabs.

‘Please do come forward and get your jabs to protect yourself and your loved ones,’ she added.

The UKHSA said data from this year’s winter in the southern hemisphere shows flu vaccines are ‘well-matched’ against the current strains circulating.