New flu jab that scientists suggest will offer better protection for the over-65s could be rolled out next year
- European health officials have now approved a new flu jab for the over-65s
- The stronger, immune-boosting vaccine could be rolled out from next year
- Flu is dangerous and accounted for more than 17,000 deaths in the UK last year
A flu jab promising better protection for the over-65s could be rolled out next year after it was signed off by European health officials.
The stronger immune-boosting vaccine is designed to protect older people against four strains of the deadly virus – one more than the current jab.
Experts suggest it could save hundreds of lives and cut thousands of hospital admissions if it is made available on the NHS.
A stronger flu vaccine that protects against four strains could be available from next year
Flu is one of the world’s most dangerous viruses and was responsible for around 17,000 deaths in the UK last year.
The NHS programme currently offers flu jabs to groups including the over-65s, young children, pregnant women and anyone with severe chronic illness such as asthma, heart failure or diabetes.
Under-65s are already given a ‘quadrivalent’ vaccine, which protects against the four main strains of flu.
But doctors believe for the jab to be most effective in the elderly, it needs an adjuvant, a chemical to boost weaker immune systems.
A ‘quadrivalent’ vaccine is currently given to under65s but may now be available to elderly
Over-65s are currently given the enhanced ‘trivalent’ vaccine, which protects against three strains – Aussie flu (H3N2), swine flu (H1N1) and B Brisbane flu.
The new vaccine, which is being developed in Liverpool by drug firm Seqirus, is designed to protect them against four strains of seasonal influenza, including Japanese flu.
Its developers hope its approval will mean it becomes available in time for the next flu season.
Dr Raja Rajaram, of Seqirus, said: ‘In these times, even more than in most, it’s important to have age-appropriate vaccines to help protect against influenza.
‘We know people who get vaccinated are less likely to become ill with influenza. This will potentially help to keep pressure off health systems during continuing concerns over Covid-19.’
Analysis of the 2018/19 flu season found the vaccine with adjuvant, known as Fluad, was 62 per cent more effective in the elderly than previous years’ jabs.
Scientists fear a second wave of coronavirus this winter would cripple the NHS if it coincides with a flu outbreak.
It has led to calls for everyone in the UK to have a flu jab this season, rather than just those deemed ‘at risk’.