Jab blamed for rise in deaths

INEFFECTIVE flu vaccines have previously been blamed for a spike in excess winter deaths.

In 201 , the number tripled with experts saying the flu jab was to blame for the highest levels seen this century. There were an estimated 3,900 excess winter deaths in England and Wales in 201 /15, the highest number since 1999/2000, official figures show.

It was a jump of 151 per cent on the previous winter and the biggest year-on-year rise since 1967/68. Experts attributed the rise to the mutation of the virus, which meant it did not match the vaccine. Scientists developed the jab the year before.

The flu jab was so ineffective in 201 , it protected only about a third of patients by the end of the season, revised figures show.

Although it is never totally effective, it usually protects around 60 per cent of patients.