The disappearance of swine flu from public view may have made people complacent about vaccination, government officials have warned.
Vaccination rates have slumped since the autumn campaign began, according to new figures.
Just 48 per cent of pensioners over the age of 65 had undergone flu jabs by the end of October – compared with 54 per cent a year ago.
And only 26 per cent of high risk under 65s had sought vaccination – compared with 31 per cent a year previously.
The vaccine is also being offered to front-line health workers.
UK director of immunisation Dr David Salisbury said: "We don’t know how serious flu will be this winter. But we do know that improving seasonal flu vaccine uptake will ensure that more vulnerable people are protected.
"This year’s vaccine is the ordinary seasonal flu jab and protects against the dominant strains – this year it protects against three types of flu, including the type known as swine flu.
"It is vital we don’t underestimate the effects of this virus. It is not the same as getting a cold and it can seriously affect your health."
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