After shortage, pensioners told: Get flu jabs NOW

Pensioners and pregnant women urged to get flu jabs before Christmas, when thousands will be at increased risk from the virus

• Thousands of pensioners and pregnant women remain at risk from the flu 
• Shortages of the vaccine at pharmacies and GP surgeries have been reported 
• Fewer than two-thirds of over-65s had flu jabs from September to November 

Pensioners and pregnant woman have been urged to get their flu jab before Christmas, as thousands remain at risk from the virus.

The alert follows widespread shortages of the vaccine at pharmacies and GP surgeries. Many patients were turned away after attempting to get the jab.

Public Health England’s latest figures show fewer than two-thirds of over-65s received their flu vaccine between September and November. The 65.4 per cent who have been vaccinated is down from 69.1 per cent last year.

Pensioners and pregnant woman have been urged to get their flu jab before Christmas, as thousands remain at risk from the virus (stock image)

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The alert follows widespread shortages of the vaccine at pharmacies and GP surgeries. Many patients were turned away after attempting to get the jab (stock image)

The statistics also suggest around 12,000 fewer pregnant women have had their flu jab than in 2017. These women are at a higher risk of complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. The virus can also be passed to their unborn baby, leading children to die or be born prematurely.

Professor Paul Cosford, PHE medical director, said: ‘It is even more important than ever that all those eligible take up the offer of the flu vaccine, especially before Christmas, when many people will be gathering together, with the added risk of spreading infection that this brings.’

Last month NHS England reassured the public that all vaccines had been delivered. Shortages were blamed on the introduction of a more effective vaccine, Fluad, which protects over-65s from three flu strains.

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