Flu vaccine proving to be more effective in children

THE FLU vaccine is proving more effective in children than in adults, mid-season figures suggest.

New data from Public Health England (PHE) shows the nasal spray flu vaccine is 87 per cent effective in children aged two to 17 against the main circulating flu strain, influenza A(H1N1) pmd09.

Meanwhile, the vaccine is 39 per cent effective against the same strain in adults aged 18 to 64.

No data is yet available for the over-65s or for other flu strains.

The figures show that more children than ever are being vaccinated although take-up is much lower in younger age groups.

Some 43 per cent of two-yearolds have been vaccinated, as have 45 per cent of three-yearolds.

Among school-aged children, 56 per cent to 64 per cent have been vaccinated depending on the year group.

Last year’s final figures for the whole flu season of 2017/18 showed that the vaccine was just 15 per cent effective among all age groups.

This included effectiveness of about 27 per cent in children aged two to 17, 12 per cent among people in at-risk groups aged 18 to 64, and 10 per cent in those aged 65 and over.

For this latest flu season, a new “booster” vaccine has been brought in to improve effectiveness among the over-65s.

Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “It is encouraging to see that this year’s vaccines are offering a high level of protection against the main circulating strain of flu – particularly for children.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The most basic instinct for any parent is to do whatever they can to protect their child.

“Vaccinations save countless lives and are absolutely vital.”