More than three million high-risk patients yet to have flu jab, as cases surge

'You definitely won't be protected if you don't have it'

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More than three million people at high risk of flu are in need of a vaccination according to top health officials, as fears grow over the current outbreak becoming an epidemic.

A letter sent to every GP practice in England urged doctors to use “all remaining stocks of vaccinations” to immunise as many at-risk patients as possible in the next two weeks.

It was sent after reports emerged on Friday that chemists and pharmacists were running out of vaccinations as the number of flu cases in the UK continued to rise.

This winter’s virulent flu outbreak has already claimed 85 lives with pregnant women and young people with asthma among those most at risk.

The letter, seen by The Independent has been co-signed by NHS England’s medical director Sir Bruce Keogh and chair of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) Helen Stokes-Lampard.

“We appreciate the very real pressures you are under, but we only have a couple of weeks left to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme and nationally there are still more than three million patients in target groups that could benefit from immunisation,” it read.

“Some practices are already running successful ‘flu clinics’ and vaccinating patients as part of their routine GP appointments.

The letter added: “Many patients in target groups will be booked in for appointments in the coming fortnight and we are asking you to ensure that all eligible patients already scheduled to attend your practices are offered the flu jab.”

The main strain of the virus circulating in the UK, "Aussie flu", known scientifically as H3N2, can lead to pneumonia or other serious conditions.

It came to Britain from Australia where it is reported to have directly contributed to the country’s worst winter death rate in years.

The worst hit areas in the UK are York, with 104 GP consultations for flu for every 100,000 people, Herefordshire, with 100 consultations, and Gateshead with 88 consultations, which is nearing epidemic levels.

The symptoms are similar to that of a common cold, but more prolonged and severe, and including vomiting or diarrhoea and muscle ache.

Doctors and officials have said that although the vaccinations being offered may not protect against all cases of Aussie flu, it is still worth having.

A Department for Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “Vaccines are the best protection we have against flu. As well as getting the jab from a pharmacy, patients can also book an appointment with their GP.

Pensioners, adults with chronic health conditions, pregnant women and children under nine are all entitled to free flu jabs. For everyone else there is a fee of £13.

Professor Paul Cosford, Public Health England’s medical director, agreed that the vaccine is the best defence against the spread of flu and reiterated that it is not too late to receive the jab.

“People suffering with flu-like symptoms should catch coughs or sneeze in tissues and bin them immediately, wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water, and frequently clean regularly used surfaces to stop the spread of flu.

“Avoid having unnecessary contact with other people if you or they have symptoms of flu.”