With the colder winter weather starting to bite, NHS England South is again urging people to stay well this winter and get their flu vaccination jab.

Figures released by Public Health England show that in the south region many people in key at-risk groups are still not being vaccinated and in some groups the uptake is lower than at the same point last year.

Key at-risk groups eligible for the free vaccine include those over 65, pregnant women and those under 65 but who have a long-term condition. Only around half of those over 65 and a third of pregnant women have been vaccinated.  As concerning, rates of those with a long-term condition receiving the jab have fallen to just a third.

The best vaccination rates are with those over 65, were there has been a small increase in the number vaccinated, with around 1.49m patients, which represents 56% of all those registered with a GP.

There has been an improvement in the number of pregnant women being vaccinated with around 35,000 across the south. This represents nearly 32% and an increase on 29% for the same point last year. But this means two thirds are still unvaccinated.

For those with an underlying health condition, the numbers of patients registered with a GP has risen in the past year, yet the proportion vaccinated has fallen.  Just 31% have received the jab, which could help prevent infection and the serious implications of flu.

The vaccination uptake figures come shortly after the publication of excess winter deaths statistics for the winter period 2014/15, which were the highest since 1999 with some 43,900 excess deaths in England and Wales when comparing winter to the summer period.  Flu outbreaks played a significant part in the high numbers of deaths, particularly amongst the elderly.

Nigel Acheson, Regional Medical Director, NHS England South, said:

“The flu jab remains the best way for those who are at the highest risk to protect themselves from the severe effects of the influenza virus.

“The uptake of the jab so far this flu season is encouraging, but there are many who would benefit who are still not protecting themselves by being vaccinated.

“Those in these key at-risk groups are eligible for a free vaccination. This includes older people and pregnant women, as well as those people with health conditions, even those that are well managed. Conditions include asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, liver and renal dieses, those with weakened immune systems.

“Anyone in these groups who hasn’t yet had the vaccine can receive it through their GP or midwife, but also local pharmacist so it is quick and easy to arrange.

“Research from last year confirmed the jab was 34 per cent effective against the circulating strains of flu and remains one of the best ways of staying well this winter.”

Vaccination against the flu virus is just one strand of the wider NHS Stay Well this Winter campaign advising the public on how to avoid common illness during winter. The simple steps are to:

• make sure you get the flu jab if eligible
• keep yourself warm – heat your home to least 18 degrees C (or 65F) if you can
• get help from your pharmacist quickly, if you start to feel unwell, even if it’s just a cough or a cold, before it gets more serious
• make sure you get your prescription medicines before pharmacies close on Christmas Eve
• always take your prescribed medicines as directed
• Use NHS Choices, call 111 or visit your local pharmacist for advice in a non-emergency