Edinburgh, Scotland – Campaigners are urging for the reinstatement of flu vaccines for individuals aged 50 to 64 after a concerning increase in flu-related deaths in Scotland. According to data from the National Records of Scotland, there have been 463 deaths where flu was the underlying cause, and an additional 567 deaths where flu was mentioned on the death certificate in the first 14 weeks of this year. These numbers represent the highest flu death toll since 1979.
The decision to raise the vaccination eligibility to 65 resulted in half a million people in the 50 to 64 age group not being offered the flu jab this winter. Asthma and Lung Scotland highlighted the impact of reverting to pre-pandemic eligibility criteria, stating that it contributed to a significant reduction in vaccine uptake and sent the wrong message about the seriousness of flu.
In response to the alarming rise in flu-related deaths, Maree Todd, the minister for social care, mental wellbeing, and sport in Scotland, mentioned potential factors such as “vaccine fatigue” and “anti-vax sentiment” that could have contributed to the decreased vaccine uptake among adults. Despite high vaccine uptake among children and individuals at high risk, the overall flu vaccinations this winter are down by a fifth compared to the previous year, with over 350,000 fewer vaccines administered.
Asthma and Lung Scotland emphasized the need for action to prevent a similar situation from occurring in the future. Joseph Carter, a spokesperson, expressed shock at the severity of the flu season and called for decisive measures to ensure better vaccine uptake in the coming years. The government has indicated that it will reflect on the decision to exclude the 50 to 64 age group in the vaccine eligibility criteria and consider recommendations from expert bodies like the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI).