A RECORD number of over 65s in Bradford came forward for their free flu jab last winter.

In the district, between September 2020 and February, 79.9 per cent of over 65s - 82,312 people - got their flu vaccine, up 7.2 per cent from the year before, and this was also above the World Health Organisation recommended target of 75 per cent.

However it was below the England average of 80.9 per cent, which was also a record.

The Royal College of GPs praised the "incredible" efforts of healthcare workers for the achievement, but has called for answers on how the flu and Covid vaccine booster programmes will be rolled out together this year.

It’s hoped this momentum, and the success of the Covid-19 vaccine, will help reduce illness, hospitalisations and deaths from both viruses this winter, which expected to be tough for health workers anyway dealing with a backlog of treatments.

Dr Sarah Scobie, deputy director of research at The Nuffield Trust, said: “Outbreaks of flu can put significant pressure on hospitals and emergency services, particularly over the winter months.

"This winter will be even more difficult with staff working through a significant backlog of care while remaining alert to any flare-up of hospitalisations due to Covid-19.

"Given any flu outbreak would likely be very challenging, having those at most risk of serious cases of flu and Covid-19 vaccinated against both is critical.”

Also offered free flu jabs are those deemed 'clincally at risk' - those aged between six months and 64 years old with serious diseases, the severely obese and people with learning disabilities - and in Bradford only 46.3 per cent of this group took up the offer, below the target of 55 per cent.

Professor Martin Marshall, chairman of The Royal College of GPs, added: “The flu vaccine is the best protection we have against flu, which can be a serious and sometimes fatal illness for people in vulnerable groups.

"Achieving a high take up was especially important given the existing pressures on the NHS due to the pandemic, and was made possible by meticulous planning by general practice teams, including a lot of work to increase uptake rates amongst patients."

But he said urgent questions need answered regarding how the flu vaccine programme will work alongside a Covid-19 booster jab, and who would be eligible.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “The Government is getting ready for the upcoming flu season to ensure the health service can provide as many vaccines to people as possible.

“Alongside this, we are continuing to plan for a Covid-19 booster programme later in the year and further details of the winter flu vaccination programme will be set out in due course.”