NHS Urges Flu Vaccination After 18,000 Deaths Over Two Winters

Health officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated as uptake declines among vulnerable groups.

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.