‘Hundreds of lives’ could be saved by new enhanced flu jab

According to Public Health England, an enhanced flu jab for the elderly will be made available this winter, potentially saving hundreds of lives.

Flu is proportionately far more dangerous amongst the elderly and the effectiveness of flu jabs declines as people age, being effective in only one in 10 in the over 65s last winter.

This new enhanced vaccine contains new ingredients which are designed to help aged immune systems to develop a strong defence against the illness.

It is also hoped that the new vaccine will ease pressures on the health service.

Public Health England’s Paul Cosford, said “This looks like it is going to be a significant improvement and quite a step in our battle against flu each winter.”

The vaccine will also be offered to at-risk groups, which include those with long term health conditions and pregnant women.

Professor Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer, said “Getting the flu vaccine is the single best way to protect yourself against this potentially fatal illness, and this year the NHS is offering it to 24 million people across the country.

“In addition to this – a newly available vaccine that is more effective will be offered to over-65s. This could prevent hundreds of deaths and save thousands of GP and hospital hours – I strongly encourage everyone in vulnerable groups to get the life-saving vaccine as we head into winter.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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