Older people urged to get flu jab after data reveals nearly 4,000 deaths from horror winter

New data from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that nearly 4,000 deaths were linked to flu during the winter of 2025–2026. The findings, included in the agency’s annual report, highlight the severity of the flu season and urge older people to get vaccinated. According to the report, 3,798 individuals died from flu-related causes during the winter, with an additional 13,048 hospitalisations recorded. The majority of these cases were attributed to an unknown subtype of the most common strain of influenza A. The UKHSA noted that the vaccination programme played a crucial role in reducing the impact of the outbreak, preventing an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions and more than 7,000 deaths. The data indicates that the majority of flu-related deaths occurred among older adults, with 3,442 fatalities affecting those aged 65 and above. Another 346 deaths were recorded among people aged 15 to 64, while three individuals aged between five and 14 and seven under the age of four also succumbed to the virus. Hospital admission rates mirrored this trend, with the highest numbers observed in the elderly population. In comparison, the same winter saw 8,000 deaths related to Covid-19, with up to 26,000 hospitalisations reported by NHS England. Both diseases disproportionately affected older individuals, underscoring the vulnerability of this demographic to respiratory illnesses. Despite high vaccination coverage among those over 65, ranging from 71 to 75 percent, the overall effectiveness of the flu vaccine in adults fell to 21 percent, compared to 34 percent in the previous winter. Vaccine effectiveness was somewhat higher among children, with rates between 51 and 68 percent. This is significant because children often act as vectors for the virus, transmitting it to older populations who are at greater risk of severe complications. The UKHSA also highlighted the effectiveness of the RSV vaccine, which was approximately 82 percent effective at preventing hospitalisations among adults aged 75 to 79. RSV, a common respiratory virus, typically causes mild symptoms but can be deadly for older individuals. Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that nearly 4,000 flu-related deaths in a single winter serve as a stark reminder that seasonal viruses should not be underestimated, especially in later life. She encouraged older people to take up available vaccinations, noting that they can significantly reduce the risk of serious illness and alleviate pressure on healthcare systems. Andrew McCracken, director of External Affairs at Asthma + Lung UK, echoed these sentiments, urging individuals with chronic lung conditions to get vaccinated promptly. He explained that flu can lead to life-threatening flare-ups in those with pre-existing respiratory issues, increasing their mortality risk sevenfold. As the current flu season begins, UKHSA data suggests that flu activity remains at low levels, with hospital admissions standing at 1.9 per 100,000 people. However, the agency is monitoring respiratory virus trends closely to provide timely updates to the public. Dr Jamie Lopez-Bernal of the UKHSA stated that efforts will continue to track both flu and Covid-19 throughout the winter.