‘ Dispel flu vaccine myths to increase uptake’

MYTHS AND concerns about the flu vaccine must be addressed if the Government is to double its uptake this winter, experts say.

Plans were announced last month for the “most comprehensive flu vaccination programme in UK history” increasing take- up from 15 to 30 million, to reduce pressure on the NHS.

While uptake is around 70 to 80 per cent for the over- 65s, among the at- risk under- 65s, rates are well below World Health Organisation ( WHO) guidelines.

In Yorkshire and the Humber the proportion of under- 65s in at- risk groups having a jab has fallen nine per cent in five years, according to the BBC Shared Data Unit.

Academics and charities believe legitimate concerns around side effects, religious barriers and a “complacency” around the effects of flu are putting people off. Others say the Government has failed to deliver an effective strategy – leaving rates languishing below the WHO recommended 75 per cent take- up for vulnerable categories.

In Leeds the figure fell 9.1 per cent over five years to 44.1 per cent, while in Hull it dropped eight percent to just 41.3 percent.

There is also concern that not enough primary schoolchildren are being vaccinated.

Bradford had the lowest percentage of youngsters in the region receiving the nasal spray at 44.9 per cent, followed by Leeds at 51 per cent. The East Riding was England’s top performer at 82 per cent.

Director of the Vaccine Confidence Project, Professor Heidi Larson, said vaccination is important this year so people avoid the “double attack” of Covid- 19 and flu. Part of the nasal vaccine contains traces of porcine gelatin, preventing many Muslim parents from taking it up.”

Emma Rubach, from Asthma UK, said the drop in uptake was “deeply concerning”.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We have some of the best flu vaccine uptake rates in Europe and the flu vaccination programme will be supported with a major new public facing marketing campaign to encourage take up amongst eligible groups for the free flu vaccine.”