New flu vaccine for over 65s available this winter

A more effective flu vaccine is available this winter for those aged 65 and over, which has the potential to prevent deaths and reduce the burden on the NHS.

Available for the first time this year in the UK for those aged 65 and over, the vaccine could reduce GP consultations by 30,000, hospitalisations by over 2,000 and prevent over 700 hospital deaths from flu in England. Delegates at the Public Health England (PHE) conference heard that this will alleviate some of the health burden that seasonal flu places on the population, workplaces and the NHS.

The ‘adjuvanted’ vaccine is expected to improve the body’s immune response to the vaccine, with the broader flu vaccination programme will also be improved by offering all eligible adults under 65, including pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions, the ‘quadrivalent’ vaccine in injected form.

Additionally, the nasal spray vaccine will be extended to primary school children in Year 5, which means the vaccine will be offered to children in reception as well as Years 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. The programme will eventually roll out to all primary school children.

Paul Cosford, Medical Director at PHE, said: “Flu is potentially a very serious illness, and we know adults over 65 are more likely to catch and have complications from flu so have the most to gain from an improved vaccine. By introducing an enhanced flu vaccine for this age group they will be better protected as well as helping to reduce the spread of flu to those around them.

“Further protection will be gained by offering flu vaccine to more children this year and giving a vaccine that provides protection against four strains of flu to all eligible people under the age of 65. We encourage everyone who is eligible to get the flu vaccine from their general practice or pharmacy before the end of November.”