NHS chaos looms amid fears flu jab may not protect everyone

Health chiefs are “more scared than we have ever been” about the possibility of a flu epidemic this winter.

Sir Malcolm Grant, chairman of NHS England, warned yesterday (Thursday) that hospitals may be “inundated” with patients suffering from flu this year.

Dame Sally Davies, England’s Chief Medical Officer, agreed, telling the Daily Telegraph that she fears that the flu jab might not protect the elderly this winter – but added that the vaccine remains our “best hope” of avoiding a crisis.

An official evaluation showed that last year’s jab had no effect on preventing flu outbreaks among over 65s, though it worked for two thirds of children.

21 million people are entitled to the free vaccination, including children, pensioners, pregnant women and medical staff. More than a million care home workers are also being offered the jab for the first time.

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The NHS has issued a stern written warning to its 1.4 million employees, urging them to have the jab at the earliest opportunity.

The letter says: “As winter approaches it is worth reminding ourselves that flu can have serious and even fatal consequences.

“Healthcare workers, as members of the general population, are susceptible to flu. When coupled with the potential for a third of flu cases being transmitted by asymptomatic individuals, it means patients are at particular risk.”

It is hoped that by having the jab they will reduce the risk to their patients, particulary those suffering from breathing problems such as pneumonia and emphysema.

Grant said: “We face winter better prepared than we have ever been, but more scared than we have ever been.

“We have the strong likelihood of hospitals being inundated with people suffering flu.”