Scotland must learn from ‘shocking’ flu season, says charity

Scotland must learn from the this year’s “shocking” flu season as figures show the number of deaths in the first 14 weeks of this year almost doubled.

Figures released last week by National Records of Scotland show flu was the underlying cause in 463 deaths, compared to just 240 during the same period in 2024.

The condition was also mentioned on 567 death certificates in the first 14 weeks of this year, compared to just 297 in the same time last year.

Statistics from Public Health Scotland showed the number of adults vaccinated against flu dropped to just under 1.3 million this winter, compared to 1.65 million the previous year.

Asthma and Lung UK Scotland have urged the Scottish Government to develop a strategy designed to protect those with underlying lung conditions from the flu, as well as broaden the eligibility for vaccination.

“We knew that flu was particularly bad this winter, but these statistics are truly shocking,” said the head of the charity, Joseph Carter.

“With the worst flu seasons in recent years, we saw hospitals across Scotland at breaking point but now is the time for practical long-term solutions.

“We need to learn from this devastating winter and vaccinate far more people. Removing the 50–65-year-old group from being eligible for the flu jab removed almost half a million people from the list, and sent the wrong message that flu was less serious.

“We would urge the Scottish Government to offer free flu vaccines to 50-64-year-olds as happened in Northern Ireland this year.

“Vaccinating more people will not only reduce the spread of flu but will also help to protect the most vulnerable as well easing the enormous pressures on the NHS.

“The fact that people with lung conditions are seven times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults means we also need better year-round care for people with chronic lung conditions to help stop hospital admissions.

“With the respiratory care action plan coming to an end, the Scottish Government needs to develop a new, fully funded strategy to prevent, diagnose and treat people living with lung conditions like COPD and asthma.

“Deepening health inequalities is also an issue, with Scotland’s poorest communities seeing higher mortality rates associated with lung conditions than the more affluent.”

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: “Decision-making on Scotland’s vaccination programme continues to be guided by the independent, expert advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and it advises flu vaccination for all those aged 65 and over and people with specific underlying health conditions.

“The vast majority of those with lung conditions, aged six months and over, are automatically eligible for a free flu vaccine as part of our national programme, including a large proportion of those with asthma.

“As noted, people with lung conditions are up to seven times more likely to die if they catch flu, so the Scottish Government would encourage them to come forward for vaccination in winter 2025.”