AGE UK: Nearly 4,000 flu mortalities last winter prompts plea from Age UK to older people: 'Don't miss vital vaccinations this winter'

Flu vaccination programme prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions last year

As winter approaches, Age UK calls on older people to not get complacent and make sure they have all the vaccinations they are eligible for.

The latest annual influenza report from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that influenza was responsible for around 4,000 deaths in England during winter 2025/26. The same report found that the flu vaccination programme prevented around 100,00 hospital admissions and around 7,000 deaths, highlighting the significant protection vaccines can provide^[i]].

With winter respiratory viruses expected to circulate once again in the coming months, Age UK is encouraging older people to take up offers of flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations, alongside any other vaccines for which they are eligible.

Older people are among those most at risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is because older people and those with already existing health conditions are more likely to develop complications, require hospital treatment and experience longer recovery times.

Respiratory illnesses place considerable additional pressures on NHS services each year with respiratory disease accounting for around 700,000 hospital admissions and six million NHS bed days every year. And admissions rise sharply during winter months.^[ii]

At the same time, data shows that newer vaccines are proving 'highly effective'. A recent UKHSA study found that the RSV vaccine was around 82% effective at preventing hospital admissions among older adults aged 75 to 79 years. RSV is a common respiratory virus that often causes symptoms similar to a cold but can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia, in older people^[iii].

Caroline Abrahams, CBE, Charity Director at Age UK, said:
"Nearly 4,000 deaths linked to flu in a single winter is a stark reminder that these seasonal viruses should never be dismissed as just a bad cold, particularly in later life.

"With flu cases continuing to increase^[iv], vaccinations are still one of the most effective ways we have of protecting ourselves against serious illness. The latest evidence shows that vaccination prevented thousands of hospital admissions last winter and helped reduce the pressure on NHS services at one of the busiest times of the year.

"If you are offered a flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination this autumn and winter, we strongly encourage you to take up the opportunity. These vaccines can reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill and help you stay well, independent and active throughout the colder months.

"Many older people are already facing challenges this winter, including concerns about energy costs, keeping warm and managing existing health conditions. Having the vaccinations you are entitled to is one practical step you can take to protect your health.

"I would also encourage friends and family members to check that older relatives know which vaccinations they are eligible for and help them to arrange appointments if needed."

Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Public Health and Patient Safety, said:
"During the winter months, dangerous viruses spread more easily, posing an increased risk to older people and those with existing health conditions, who are more vulnerable.

"I am proud to support Age UK's campaign and encourage everyone who has not yet come forward to book life-saving vaccinations against flu, COVID-19 and RSV as soon as possible."

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
"Covid-19 activity and flu levels are increasing, so now is the time for those eligible to get vaccinated.

"You're eligible for a flu vaccine if you're over 65 or have certain long-term health conditions, and for the COVID-19 vaccine if you're 75 or over, immunosuppressed or living in a care home. This is because you're more likely to become seriously unwell if you catch these viruses. Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest things you can do to help protect yourself this winter, so please don't put it off.

"It's also important to remember the simple steps we can all take to reduce the spread of winter viruses, including staying at home if you are unwell, good hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. You should avoid anyone who is particularly vulnerable and do not visit those at greater risk in hospitals and care homes."

Why vaccination matters

People aged 65 and over are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, while eligibility for COVID-19, RSV, shingles and pneumococcal vaccinations varies according to age and clinical circumstances.

Vaccination cannot guarantee that someone will not catch a virus, but it can significantly reduce the likelihood of severe illness, hospitalisation and death.

What older people can do

• You can book your free NHS flu vaccine if you are aged 65 and over, the main carer for an older or disabled person, living in a care home or have certain long-term health conditions.
• You can book your free NHS Covid-19 vaccine if you are aged 75 and over, live in a care home for older people or have a weakened immune system due to treatment or a health condition.
• You can have a free RSV vaccine if you are aged 75 and over.
• Ask your GP surgery about pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations if you are unsure whether you have already received them.
• Continue to protect yourself by taking sensible precautions during periods of high virus circulation, including practising good hand hygiene and avoiding close contact with people who are unwell where possible. Wearing a face mask can also be a sensible precaution in some situations, especially if you are feeling unwell or spending time around people who may be vulnerable to infection.

Find more information on getting the flu vaccination here: www.ageuk.org.uk/discover/2026/september/getting-the-flu-vaccine-this-winter/

Notes to editors
Those eligible for a free COVID-19 and/or flu can book their free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from 1 October. Appointments can be booked through the NHS App, online at NHS.uk, by calling 119, or through their GP surgery or local pharmacy where available.

References:

[i] Influenza in the UK, annual epidemiological report: winter 2025 to 2026 - GOV.UK

[ii] [england.nhs.uk]

[iii] [gov.uk]

[iv] www.gov.uk/government/statistics/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-reports-2026-to-2027-season/national-flu-and-covid-19-surveillance-report-8-october-2026-week-41.uk