Flu killed more than 18,000 people in the last two years, figures show – amid fears that a ‘tripledemic’ of viruses will hit the UK this winter

Flu killed more than 18,000 people in the last two years, figures have revealed, amid fears a ‘tripledemic’ of viruses will hit the UK this winter.

Health officials say poor flu vaccine uptake will leave Britons vulnerable to the deadly virus, with Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also both predicted to hit hard this season.

The warning follows thousands being hospitalised in Australia during their winter months, often a precursor to what will happen in the UK. 

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: ‘Today’s data showing there were almost 20,000 deaths associated with flu over the past two winters is a shocking reminder that this is a seriously dangerous virus.’

He added that the vaccine is the ‘best way of protecting those who are vulnerable’. New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed falling flu vaccine rates across all eligible groups in England last year.

Uptake among over-65s was high but had still declined, falling to 77.8 per cent from 79.9 per cent.

Only four in ten people in clinical risk groups (41.4 per cent) took up the offer and fewer than one in three (32.1 per cent) of pregnant women. Though the vaccine is offered to children from two to the end of primary school, uptake for two and three-year-olds also remains low, at just 44 per cent.

Maryam Sheiakh, whose six-year-old daughter, Saffy, was hospitalised with flu two years ago, said parents must take it seriously. Saffy required oxygen and spent days in the high dependency unit at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital after being admitted with a cough and high temperature.

The nursery teacher, from Manchester, said: ‘I honestly thought she might die.’ 

She is urging parents to get their children vaccinated, which is done using a nasal spray in youngsters, rather than a jab.

‘Just go and get it, don’t take the risk,’ she said.

Millions of people can now book flu jabs and Covid-19 boosters through the NHS website and app, or by calling 119, with appointments starting from October 3. Flu jabs are offered to those 65 and over, anyone aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups and patients in long-stay residential homes. 

Only four in ten people in clinical risk groups (41.4 per cent) took up the offer of a flu jab and fewer than one in three (32.1 per cent) of pregnant women got vaccinated

Frontline social care workers and people who provide care for elderly or disabled people are also eligible.

Adults over 65, care home residents, staff, frontline health and social care workers, and people in clinical risk groups (including pregnant women) are eligible for an autumn Covid booster. 

A vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was also rolled out last month, with pregnant women and adults aged 75-79 invited to book.

Health minister Andrew Gwynne said vaccines are ‘the best way to protect yourself from these viruses that can cause serious harm.’