Henry Smith MP attended Westminster Flu Day earlier this week, a flu vaccine clinic held in the House of Commons to remind vulnerable people to get their winter flu jab. 

Last year, 72.6% of people over 65 years and only 48.9% in the at risk groups were vaccinated against flu in West Sussex, compared with the national averages of 74% for the over 65s and 51.6% for those ‘at risk’.

Henry said:

“The seasonal flu vaccination is important to help protect those people who are more susceptible to serious complications or even death from flu.  I’d encourage all those that are over the age of 65 or are in one of the ‘at risk’ groups to visit their surgeries and get vaccinated.

“Despite the relatively mild flu season last year, people should remember that flu remains a serious threat, particularly for those aged over 65 and those of any age with medical conditions that put them at increased risk from influenza infection and its complications. Flu can be a pretty nasty and debilitating illness and I’d encourage everyone at risk to get their annual flu jab.”

The NHS has a very successful seasonal flu programme. The uptake rate for flu vaccines in those aged 65 and over reached 74% in 2011/12, which is just below the WHO target of 75%.  The Department of Health, however, wants to improve the uptake rates for those people under 65 years of age with clinical conditions which put them more at risk from the effects of flu.  This currently stands at 51.6%, and the Department hopes to increase it to 70%. Uptake among pregnant women in 2011/12 was only 27.4%. UVIG is working hard with the Department of Health to understand how we can improve implementation of the seasonal flu programme in the at-risk groups and amongst pregnant women and healthcare professionals.