Fears over flu jab take-up in the South East

Eligible people in England can now book their flu and COVID-19 vaccines through the NHS

Health experts are worried about the number of people across the South East who might not have their annual flu jab this winter.

Figures for last year show in the region the uptake of the flu vaccine for eligible adults - which include children, the over-65s, care home residents, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions and frontline health and social care workers - was under 50%.

The latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show there were 18,000 flu-related deaths nationally over the past two winters.

Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, from the UKHSA, said: "Getting vaccinated ahead of winter is by far your best defence."

The NHS has launched a campaign to encourage more people to have their vaccinations this winter

The NHS said evidence shows a significant impact from last year’s flu vaccine with a 30% reduction in the number of those aged 65 and over being hospitalised and a 74% reduction in those between two and 17 years of age.

Flu levels have fallen for a few years due to pandemic restrictions and social behaviours, according to the NHS.

While vaccination uptake in older people last year remained high, across Kent, Sussex and Surrey on average just over 43% of people who are at risk and under the age of 65 had a flu jab.

The figure is even lower for pregnant woman with an average of 33.85%.

Children under school age are offered a nasal spray. Across the three counties 52% of two year olds had a flu vaccination.

School age children are not included in the statistics as they receive their flu spray through the school immunisations teams.

Eligible people in England can now book their flu and Covid-19 vaccines through the NHS, with appointments starting from 3 October.