Enhanced flu jab to save 'hundreds of lives'

Post by **Trigger** » Wed Sep 12, 2018 6:46 am

An enhanced flu jab for elderly people will save hundred of lives this winter, according to Public Health England.
Flu is far more dangerous in old age.
The effectiveness of flu jabs notoriously declines as people get older and was effective in just one-in-10 over-65s last winter.
The enhanced vaccine that will be given this year contains extra ingredients designed to help aged immune systems develop a stronger defence against flu.
It is hoped the "adjuvanted vaccine" will help ease pressures on the health service.
Public Health England estimates the vaccine will lead to:
30,000 fewer GP appointments
2,000 fewer people needing hospital care
700 fewer deaths from flu
Prof Paul Cosford, from Public Health England, told the BBC: "This looks like it is going to be is a significant improvement and quite a step in our battle against flu each winter."
BBC News