Overview

• The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports 18,000 flu-associated deaths in England from October 2022 to May 2024.
• Flu vaccine uptake fell across all eligible groups last winter, with significant declines among clinical risk groups, pregnant women, and young children.
• A new campaign, 'Get Winter Strong,' has been launched to encourage vaccination against flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Health experts emphasize that vaccination is the best defense against severe illness, particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions.
• Personal stories, like that of a mother whose daughter was hospitalized with flu, highlight the critical need for vaccination to prevent severe outcomes.