Experts are calling on high-risk groups to get vaccinated against the flu virus. Last year, only half of over-65s had the shot. That number is far below the 75 per cent target set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). A flu vaccination is said to be crucial for the elderly, people with underlying health problems and pregnant women.
Flu season approaching: experts call on elderly and at-risk groups to get jabbed
Colin Clapson
Published:
From mid-October onwards, over-65s, people with underlying health problems such as diabetes, heart or lung diseases, as well as pregnant women, can get vaccinated against flu by visiting their GP or pharmacist.
In 2023, only 50.7 per cent of over-65s and 43.4 per cent of people with chronic diseases got vaccinated against influenza, according to a study by the Independent Health Insurance Funds. Among 18- to 45-year-olds, vaccination uptake was as low as 15 per cent.
Vaccination coverage among the elderly is far from the WHO target of 75 per cent. Between 2013 and 2023, flu vaccination rates among high-risk groups stabilised, despite a temporary increase during the corona pandemic.
‘Virologists are always wary of flu’
‘The way to boost these figures is to inform people about the vaccination campaign and to clear up misunderstandings about vaccines,’ virologist Marc Van Ranst says.
The flu season usually starts around New Year. To estimate what is coming our way, virologists look to Australia, where the season is already over by then. ‘Australia had a normal flu season,’ says Prof Van Ranst. He does not expect an exceptional flu season in Belgium either, but ‘virologists are always wary of flu’. ‘The virus claims the lives of several hundred to several thousands of people every year. So vaccination is crucial.’
The composition of the vaccine used here is similar to that in the southern hemisphere including Australia and that is a good sign for protection, says Prof Van Ranst. ‘Flu vaccinations should protect the most vulnerable. We also want to reduce pressure on the healthcare system during the busy autumn period, when a lot of respiratory infections are in circulation.’