Improved flu jab to save hundreds of lives

According to Public Health England, an improved flu shot among seniors will save hundreds of lives this winter.

The flu is much more dangerous in old age.

The effectiveness of influenza vaccines decreases significantly with the aging of the population and has been effective last winter only in those over 65 years of age.

The improved vaccine to be administered this year contains additional ingredients designed to help older immune systems strengthen their defense against influenza.

It is hoped that the "adjuvanted vaccine" will help alleviate pressure on the health service.

Public Health England believes that the vaccine will result in:

• 30,000 fewer appointments in GP
• 2,000 fewer people requiring hospital care
• 700 fewer deaths from influenza

Professor Paul Cosford of Public Health England told the BBC: "This seems to be a significant improvement and a milestone in our fight against the flu every winter."

The vaccine will also be offered to over-65s in Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as over 75 in Scotland.

New developments

The over 65 vaccine will protect against three influenza strains, but people under 65 in high-risk groups will be offered a vaccine against four types of flu.

At-risk groups include pregnant women and those with long-term health problems.

Meanwhile, the children's immunization program will be expanded so that children from two to five years of age receive a nasal spray for the flu.

Children are considered "super-diffusers" of the flu – partly because of more serious hygiene – so the childhood program is designed to protect children and anyone with whom they come into contact.

In total, 24 million people in England will be offered the flu shot – 3 million more than last winter.

But an important sticking point for health officials remains the NHS staff out of three who do not get vaccinated.

Prof Cosford said the staff had a "professional duty" to be vaccinated to protect their patients.

Professor Jane Cummings, head nurse for England, said that up to half of influenza cases had no symptoms, so she expected the staff to be vaccinated.

She said: "Facing the worst flu season in a decade, NHS staff has done a remarkable job in providing patient care last winter.

"This year, the public will be better protected against the flu than ever before, with at-risk groups getting the most effective vaccine available and every NHS staff member waiting to receive their vaccine."