Children and OAPs urged to take up flu vaccinations

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has today urged more people to take up flu vaccination after the recent deaths of two children due to flu-related symptoms.

The agency has asked people to be alert to symptoms of flu, and for anyone over the age of 65, or under 65 who falls into an 'at risk' group, have been urged to ensure they receive their flu vaccination.

After three "unusually quiet years", the number of flu cases is now rising to what is considered "normal seasonal levels", the HPA said. Children and adolescents have been particularly affected and there have been two deaths due to the Fujian-like strain in England over recent months. Three children a week are expected to die from respiratory illness in England over the winter period.

Dr John Watson, a respiratory expert at the HPA, said: “For the last three years, we have seen very low levels of flu in the UK but flu activity has started earlier than normal this year so we are expecting to see more cases.

“Laboratory testing so far this year shows that the main strain circulating is a flu A (H3N2) Fujian-like strain. This is slightly different to the A (H3N2) Panama-like virus, which has been circulating in the UK in recent years. The current flu vaccine contains the Panama-like virus and is considered to offer some protection against the Fujian-like strain and good protection against other strains that may also circulate.

“When flu strains change over time, they are more likely to affect the young who will have less immunity to them. For this reason it is especially important for children over six months of age, who fall into the at-risk groups, to be vaccinated.”

The Department of Health has written to all doctors to make them aware of the current situation and remind them of the vaccination and treatment guidance.

(gmcg)