NHS GP gives verdict on whether flu jab actually works

As much as we'd rather not contemplate it, the season for colds and flu arrives annually. The weather is turning chillier and people are spending more time indoors, which means numerous bugs and viruses are circulating.

Some individuals choose to receive the flu vaccination each year in an attempt to reduce their likelihood of falling ill and to enhance their wellbeing; nevertheless, others remain somewhat uncertain about whether to go ahead with it. To assist people, an NHS doctor has recently shared his opinion on whether it's genuinely worthwhile having and what people ought to understand about the jab.

Now is the moment to begin considering it as well, since it's something that ought to be done sooner rather than later. It follows advice given to Brits about how to tell the difference between Covid-19 and flu.

Dr Abdul said: "One of the biggest problems with the flu vaccination is we don't know how effective it is until the season is over. The flu vaccine is basically based on a best guess of what strains we think will be going around in the community.

"We look at, for example, Australia and New Zealand, which have already had the winter to come up with the vaccination that we have now. What we can do is look at the data for 2024."

He added: "It basically reduced GP attendances somewhere between 35% to 55%, which is significant, but one of the biggest key factors the flu vaccine helped to prevent is hospitalisations. So anywhere between 38% to 75%, which is a significant amount because, obviously, flu places a big burden on hospital resources."

Regarding different age brackets, he explained that success rates can vary, with youngsters actually achieving higher protection levels. He noted one reason for this is that children are "snotty", frequently touching various surfaces and spreading germs.

This explains why vaccination often provides greater disease prevention in youngsters compared to adults. According to Dr Abdul, one of the primary benefits the jab delivers is preventing hospital admissions, which is precisely why those over 65 are eligible for the vaccination.

He continued: "We do know from 2024 that the flu vaccine was effective. Is it going to be effective this year? I can't tell you, but what I can tell you is it will reduce your chances of having serious illness."

Typically, protection against hospital stays varies considerably, ranging from 38% in adults aged 65 and above to 75% in children. Jab effectiveness changes annually and may be reduced in certain groups.

The NHS website confirms: "The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

"The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter."

The NHS states that certain individuals are eligible for a free flu jab. This includes people who:

• Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by March 31 2026)
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are pregnant
• Live in a care home
• Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Nonetheless, if you're not eligible for a free jab, you can opt to pay for it. For more information, consult your GP or local pharmacy.