Over 5 Million Under 65s with Long-term Health Conditions Could Miss Out on Flu Vaccine
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that many people eligible for a flu vaccine may be unaware of their eligibility. Current data reveal that less than a third (28.9%) of individuals with one or more long-term health conditions (LTHCs) have received the flu vaccine.
Among those under 65 in clinical risk groups, 9 million people qualify for the vaccine, but only about 40% were vaccinated in 2024 to 2025, leaving over 5 million people unprotected.
Vaccination rates are higher among older adults aged 65 and above, with 61.5% vaccinated this year so far and 74.9% overall last year. However, many over-65s with LTHCs still miss out on the vaccine.
Flu-Related Mortality Risks
Certain clinical groups face a significantly increased risk of influenza-related death compared to the general population (1):
"The risk of influenza-related mortality for some clinical groups is much higher than for the general population."
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Author’s summary: Over 5 million under-65s with long-term health conditions risk missing flu vaccinations, highlighting an urgent public health gap despite higher vaccine uptake in older adults.