A staggering 18,000 people in the UK have died from flu over the last two winters as vaccination uptake has been declining.
While pandemic restrictions and social behaviours saw flu levels fall dramatically for a few years, these latest mortality figures are a stark reminder that flu is a deadly virus, particularly for older people and other groups at greatest risk.
But despite the chances of serious illness, fewer people are getting the potentially life saving vaccines.
Anti-vax conspiracy theories have already been linked to a massive surge in whooping cough with measles cases also on the increase this year.
Public Health Scotland has already issued warnings about believing anti-vax rhetoric on social media.
In Scotland in 2023 447 people died from flu and so far this year another 345 have succumbed to the illness.
Children and old people are particularly vulnerable to the illness and health experts are encouraging them to get their jags.
The UK Health Security Agency have released the UK mortality figures as part of the Get Winter Strong campaign to remind those at risk to get their vaccinations this year to fight off the onslaught of winter viruses.
And the UKHSA points out in the same two-year-winter period across the UK there were just over 19,500 Covid deaths in the same period.
In Scotland the numbers dying of Covid remain significantly higher than flu deaths. Since January 1 2023 2,811 people have died from Covid which shows the importance of getting both jabs if you are eligible.
The Get Winter Strong Campaign will urge those eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccination when invited, ahead of winter, targeting those at greatest risk.
And for the first time the campaign will encourage pregnant women to also get their RSV and whooping cough vaccination.
Last year saw a sudden increase in the number of people having to be hospitalised, due to a flu peak in the week leading up to Christmas and then again at the end of January.
Pregnant women and older people aged 75-79 are also eligible for a RSV vaccination for the first time this year, with the maternal vaccine providing strong protection for newborns in their first few months, when they are most at risk of severe illness from RSV.
Public Health Scotland is also keen to encourage the uptake of the vaccinations after a fall in uptake last year.
Their data showed a decrease in COVID-19 and flu vaccine uptake for all eligible groups last winter compared to winter 2022-23, notably occupational groups, such as health and social care workers, and pregnant women.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Vaccination and Immunisation, PHS said: “Vaccination remains the best protection against severe outcomes of both flu and COVID-19 and reduces the likelihood of severe illness, hospital admission, and in some cases death.
“Work is underway to understand the reasons behind the decrease in vaccine uptake.”
Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director of Immunisation: “As winter approaches we see many dangerous viruses circulating in our communities including flu, which can tragically kill thousands of people every year. Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence.
“If you’re pregnant or have certain long-term health conditions you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill. Older people and young infants with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised.
“So if you or your child are offered the flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccines, don’t delay in getting them. Please speak to your nurse or doctor if you have any concerns.”
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