People with long-term health conditions should get flu jab

Health chiefs are urging people with long-term health conditions to get their flu jab, as Public Health England analysis shows that six in 10 flu deaths are people with underlying conditions.

The findings have prompted a number of charities, including the British Heart Foundation and Mencap, to join with PHE and the NHS in urging people with long-term health conditions to get vaccinated before Christmas.

According to PHE, people with chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or asthma, are seven times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults. People with cardiovascular problems, such as chronic heart disease or angina, or who have had a stroke, are 11 times more likely. Additionally, people with chronic liver disease and immunosuppression are 48 and 47 times more likely, respectively, to die from flu compared to healthy adults.

So far this year, 46.8 per cent of people with a long-term health condition, under the age of 65 years, have had the flu vaccine. However, while vaccine coverage in this group is higher than it has been at this point compared to the last six flu seasons, it still lags behind coverage in other eligible groups.

This year, with those most vulnerable to flu also being at high risk of severe illness from coronavirus, it is more important than ever that eligible people get the flu vaccine.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Head of Flu at Public Health England, said: “The flu vaccine is the best defence against what can be a serious illness, especially for those living with long-term health conditions, such as respiratory diseases, diabetes and liver disease. People living with long-term health conditions are also at higher risk of serious illness from Covid-19, and having both flu and Covid-19 at the same time is associated with a greater risk of more severe illness and death. Therefore, it is more important than ever to get vaccinated against flu.”

People aged six months to 65 years with one or more long-term health conditions, pregnant women and those aged 65 years and over are at a greater clinical risk from flu. All these groups are eligible for a free vaccine, which is the best defence against flu.