Health plea as uptake of flu vaccine falls

VULNERABLE PEOPLE have been urged to get the flu vaccine ahead of the Christmas period, as figures show uptake is down on last year.

The number of over-65s, under-65s with an underlying medical condition, and pregnant women receiving a flu jab at this time in 2018 has fallen compared to 2017, Public Health England (PHE) said.

The dwindling number of patients who received their flu jab comes after concerns were raised about the way the vaccine was distributed this year.

GPs were reportedly turning patients away after receiving their stock in a phased distribution.

Health officials said that the manufacturer Seqirus, the sole supplier of the new vaccine for over-65s, phased deliveries to cope with global demand.

But some medics raised concerns over such deliveries, saying they would run out between batches.

Last month NHS England issued reassurances that all vaccines have now been delivered as ordered.

Figures show flu vaccine uptake up to week 48 in 2018 for over-65s was 65.4 per cent, compared to 69.1 per cent in 2017. Uptake for pregnant women was 40.8 per cent for the period in 2018.