Autumn flu campaign to be ‘scaled up’ in light of 18k deaths

Health security officials have raised concerns about falling flu vaccine uptake as new data reveals 18,000 deaths over the last two winters.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is launching a new ‘scaled-up’ campaign with NHS England to urge eligible people to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccination when invited.

Vaccination data for England showed a drop in flu vaccine uptake rates between 2022/23 and 2023/24 across all eligible groups, with only four in 10 people with long-term conditions taking up the offer last year.

The UKHSA also revealed new mortality figures which showed that between October and May in both 2022/23 and 2023/24 there were 18,000 deaths associated with flu, ‘despite last winter being a relatively mild flu season’.

This serves as a ‘stark reminder that flu is a deadly virus’, health officials said.

From next week, the UKHSA will begin its 'scaled-up' ‘Get Winter Strong’ campaign which will run for 10 weeks and will appear on TV, radio, and social media channels.

Those eligible for these vaccinations include adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions.

NHS national director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell 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.’

Recent data showed that last year’s flu vaccine had a ‘significant impact’ with a 30% reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised and 74% reduction in those between two and 17 years of age.

A version of this story first appeared on our sister title Pulse.