The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has raised concerns that millions of people with long-term health conditions (LTHCs) may be missing out on potentially life-saving flu vaccinations. Latest data shows that less than a third, or 28.9%, of individuals with one or more LTHCs have received their flu vaccine this season. Of the nine million people under 65 in clinical risk groups, only 40% were vaccinated in 2024–25, leaving over five million unprotected.
While flu vaccine uptake among older adults aged 65 and over is higher, at 61.5% this year to date and 74.9% overall last year, many seniors with underlying health conditions remain at risk. Certain groups face significantly higher influenza-related mortality compared to the general population, including those with chronic liver disease, who are 48 times more likely to die from flu, immunosuppressed individuals with 47 times higher risk, and people with chronic neurological disease, who face a 40-fold increased risk. Last year, less than 34% of people with chronic liver disease, only 47% of immunosuppressed individuals, and fewer than 45% of those with chronic neurological conditions received the flu vaccine.
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director for Immunisation at UKHSA, highlighted the urgency of vaccination. She emphasized that thousands of people with LTHCs are hospitalized or die from flu each year when much of this could be prevented. She urged eligible individuals not to delay and to book their vaccine appointments immediately, particularly as flu is circulating earlier this season.
People eligible for the flu vaccine include those with chronic respiratory, heart, vascular, kidney, liver, neurological diseases, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, immunosuppression, asplenia, and morbid obesity, among others. Doctors are encouraged to use clinical judgment to offer vaccines to patients whose underlying conditions put them at heightened risk.
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS National Medical Director, stressed the importance of protection for vulnerable groups and highlighted the efforts across GP practices, pharmacies, schools, and community clinics to make flu vaccination widely accessible. More than 12 million people have already been vaccinated this year, yet there is an urgent need for higher uptake among those with long-term health conditions. The NHS website, NHS App, and 119 are available for bookings, and the ‘walk-in flu finder’ feature allows access to local pharmacies without an appointment.
The Department of Health and Social Care, UKHSA, and NHS England have launched a national campaign urging eligible groups to “Stay strong. Get vaccinated,” using protective imagery to convey the benefits of flu vaccination. This campaign targets pregnant women, parents of children aged 2–16, and people with LTHCs, using television, radio, outdoor advertising, social media, and partnership outreach.
UK health charities have also reinforced the message. Pamela Healy, Chief Executive at the British Liver Trust, stressed the importance of vaccination for people with liver disease. Fiona Loud of Kidney Care UK noted that chronic kidney disease patients are 19 times more likely to die from flu and urged those eligible to be vaccinated. Danni Manzi of Parkinson’s UK highlighted the vulnerability of people with Parkinson’s to chest infections and emphasized the need for newly diagnosed patients and under-65s to get vaccinated. Ailsa Bosworth, National Patient Champion for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, shared her personal experience with immunosuppressive medication, emphasizing the importance of staying up to date with flu vaccinations.
With flu cases rising and winter approaching, health authorities are urging everyone at risk to secure their vaccinations promptly to avoid serious illness.
