The flu vaccine is proving to be more effective in children than in adults in the UK.
The nasal spray vaccine is 87% more effective in children aged two to 17 against the main circulating flu strain, influenza A(H1N1)pmd09, Public Health England data indicates. Meanline the flu vaccine is 39% effective against the same strain in adults aged 18 to 64.
The data shows that more children than ever are being vaccinated although take-up is lower in younger age groups. Some 43% of two-year-olds have been vaccinated, compared with 45% of three-year-olds. Amongst school children 56% to 64% have been vaccinated. Last year’s final figures for the full flu season of 2017-18 showed that the vaccine was only 15% effective among all age groups. This included effectiveness of about 27% in children aged two to 17, 12% among people in at-risk groups aged 18 to 64, and 10% in those aged 65 and over.
Dr Mary Ramsay, head of immunisation at PHE, said: “It is encouraging to see that this year’s vaccines are offering a high level of protection against the main circulating strain of flu – particularly for children.
“Children tend to be ‘super-spreaders’ of flu and so protecting them is crucial for protecting the rest of the population.
“We’re pleased that more parents have been taking up the offer of vaccination for their children and encourage anyone who is eligible to do so every winter.
“It’s the best defence we have against this unpredictable virus.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The most basic instinct for any parent is to do whatever they can to protect their child. Vaccinations save countless lives and are absolutely vital.
“More children have been vaccinated this year to protect against flu and it is a positive sign that the vaccine itself appears to be more effective than in previous years.
“Our world-leading vaccination programme saves lives and I urge all parents of young children to make sure their child is vaccinated against flu and other childhood diseases.”
