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Health experts have issued a warning millions of people in the UK are “at risk” of getting seriously ill this winter. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has cautioned that more than five million vulnerable Brits under the age of 65 have missed a vital vaccine. In an update, the UKHSA explained that the latest figures show less than a third (28.9 per cent) of people with one or more long-term health conditions (LTHCs) have had a flu vaccine . Nine million under 65s in clinical risk groups are eligible for the jab but just 40 per cent were vaccinated last year (2024/25). This means more than five million eligible people are unprotected. Uptake of the flu vaccine in older adults, aged 65 and over, is higher - 61.5 per cent this year to date; and 74.9 per cent overall for last year. The UKHSA explained that the risk of dying from flu is much higher for people with certain chonric illnesses. It is: Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, deputy director for immunisation at UKHSA, said: “Every year we see many thousands of people with a long-term health condition being seriously ill in hospital from flu and tragically too many dying, when for many this could be potentially prevented by vaccination. “We are concerned that many people at risk may not know they are eligible. Do not wait or delay, book your vaccine appointment today, because flu is spreading now. If you have a long-term health condition speak with your doctor’s surgery to find out more. With flu hitting earlier this year I can’t stress enough how important it is to get yourself protected as soon as possible. “And for all other groups at increased risk of severe illness and who are also eligible – people aged 65 and over, pregnant women and two-and-three year olds – if you’ve not had the flu vaccine, please do not put if off and regret it later.” In 2013 it was estimated that there were fewer than 1,000 excess winter deaths linked to flu in England. During the 2022 to 2023 winter season, more than 15,000 deaths were attributed to flu. The risk of serious illness from flu is higher amongst children under five years of age, older people, those with certain LTHCs and also in pregnant women. People with one or more certain LTHCs in a clinical risk group who are eligible for flu vaccine include: Dr Claire Fuller, NHS national medical director, added: “We are urging people with long-term health conditions to book their flu jabs now and make sure they get protected, as they are vulnerable to the virus and it can make them seriously ill. “NHS teams across the country have been ramping up efforts to make it as easy as possible for the public to get vaccinated at a range of locations including local GP practices, pharmacies, schools, and other community clinics. “More than 12 million people have had their flu vaccinations providing crucial protection as winter rapidly approaches and cases of flu rise - but it is vital that more people with long-term health conditions come forward.” You can book a vaccine on the NHS website , NHS App or by calling 119. The “walk in flu finder” on the NHS app also allows you to find a pharmacy where you can walk in for a vaccine without an appointment.
