Flu vaccine found to be more effective in children than adults

Recent figures released by Public Health England indicate that the nasal spray flu vaccine is 87 per cent effective in children up to the age of 17 against the most common flu strain, and only 39 per cent effective in adults up to the age of 64.

These are not the final figures however, and will be revised at the end of the flu season in May, when further information will be available.

Public Health England’s head of immunisation Dr Mary Ramsay, 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 patients 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.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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