The UK Health Security Agency has announced that more people aged 65 and over than ever before have received their flu vaccine this year.

Of people aged 65 and over, 81.4 per cent have already come forward for their flu vaccination this season, according to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency. This is the highest uptake in this age group on record, above the end of season uptake of 80.9 per cent last year.

This means that England has already exceeded the World Health Organization target of 75 per cent in this age group for this winter season.

However, uptake in pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions remains low in comparison to older adults (37.1 per cent for pregnant women and 49.2 per cent for those under 65 with underlying health conditions), and preschool vaccination rates are less than last year’s record uptake during the same period (49.0 per cent of three-year olds and 46.6 per cent in all two-year olds).

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director of primary care for NHS England, said: “This is testament to the hard work of health professionals across the country in rolling out the biggest free flu drive in healthcare history, in addition to delivering an incredible coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccination programme.

“With more people than ever eligible for a free flu vaccine, it is fantastic to see such strong uptake of the flu vaccine so far, with millions of people having already received their dose of protection and I urge anyone who is eligible – including pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, everyone aged 50 and above and frontline health and care workers – to come forward and book their vaccine as soon as possible.”