Influenza is responsible for at least 3000-4000 deaths per year in the UK.
During epidemics, death rates from pneumonia and influenza are much higher
in elderly than younger people. With vaccination, the substantial medical a
nd economic costs associated with influenza epidemics can be avoided. Count
ries with blanket vaccination have seen major reductions in morbidity, and
mortality. The vaccine is safe and effective in elderly people. Vaccination
programmes for health-care workers who have contact with elderly people ha
ve also been shown to be effective in reducing deaths from influenza among
this group.