Get Winter Strong: 18,000 flu-related deaths in past 2 winters

Flu vaccine uptake rates dropped last winter across all eligible groups in England compared to the previous year

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England, is set to launch a scaled-up Get Winter Strong campaign on October 7 to help mitigate the impact of winter viruses, such as flu and COVID-19, on vulnerable populations and ease NHS winter pressures.

At least 18,000 deaths were associated with flu over the past 2 winters (October to May, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024), even though last winter was comparatively mild for flu, according to the latest UKHSA data.

Flu is a deadly virus, particularly for older people and other groups at greatest risk. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is the most effective way to safeguard against the virus.

Concerningly, flu vaccine uptake rates dropped last winter across all eligible groups in England compared to the previous year.

Although uptake among older adults remained high, only 41 per cent people with long-term health conditions, 44 per cent of 2- and 3-year-olds, and just one in three pregnant women received the flu vaccine.

During the same two-year winter period, an estimated 19,500 deaths were linked to COVID-19.

The expanded Get Winter Strong campaign will encourage eligible individuals to receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations when invited, ahead of winter, targeting those at greatest risk.

For the first time, the campaign will also promote respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and whooping cough vaccinations for pregnant women.

The maternal vaccine provides strong protection for newborns in their first few months when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV.

Older people aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for RSV vaccination this year.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director of Immunisation, said: “As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which tragically can kill thousands of people every year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.

If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions, you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised.

So if you or your child are offered the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines, don’t delay in getting them. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any concerns.”

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, has urged those who are eligible to book their vaccine appointment as soon as they can, stating that “it is our best way of protecting those who are vulnerable as winter approaches.”

The Get Winter Strong campaign will run for 10 weeks.