Brits urged to get flu jabs as virus killed more people than Covid last winter

HEALTH chiefs are urging Brits to get flu jabs, saying it killed more people than Covid last winter.

Estimates from the UK Health Security Agency show there were 14,623 deaths as a result of flu in England last winter.

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Meanwhile, figures show that 10,345 died with Covid in the same period.

This was despite the flu jab keeping 25,000 people out of hospital.

Online vaccine bookings are open from tomorrow with free boosters for all over-65s and vulnerable people.

Virus surges will add to pressure on hospitals already crippled by strikes, with more walkouts from consultants and junior doctors this week.

Deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite said: “Flu and Covid resulted in thousands of hospitalisations and deaths last winter.

“It is important that we are protected against both.

“Vaccination is our strongest form of defence so if you are eligible, please come forward and get your jabs as soon as possible.”

Doctors are particularly keen to increase vaccination rates in children and pregnant women.

Getting a flu vaccine reduces youngsters’ risk of ending up in hospital by about two thirds.

Professor Susan Hopkins, of the UKHSA, said: “Last winter the vaccine prevented an estimated 25,000 hospitalisations but this could be even greater if all those eligible for the flu vaccine came forward this year.”

NHS hospitals are paying their own doctors up to £7,900 a shift to cover striking colleagues, The Times reported.