Flu deaths in Scotland have nearly doubled from this time last year, as the latest figures show that deaths from the flu are set to reach a 45-year high.

Data from the National Records of Scotland analysed by Asthma + Lung UK Scotland show so far this year there have been 463 deaths where flu was the underlying cause.

The leading health charity is calling on the Scottish government to take action to help prevent further harm and “learn from this devastating winter”.

The number of deaths in the first 14 weeks of 2025 is almost double compared to the same period in 2024.There have been a further 567 deaths where flu was mentioned on the death certificate.

Flu deaths are now at their highest recorded levels since 1979.

Asthma + Lung UK Scotland is urging the Scottish government to extend free vaccinations to 50 to 64 year olds.

Public Health Scotland’s figures reveal that overall flu vaccinations have dropped by a fifth this winter with over 350,000 fewer vaccines administered.

The fall in vaccinations was most significant among social care workers, healthcare workers, those from the poorest areas of Scotland and those at highest risk from the flu aged 18-64.

Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said that both individuals and hospitals are being harmed by this drop in vaccinations and rising flu rates:

“We knew that flu was particularly bad this winter, but these statistics are truly shocking.

“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.”

He added that better year-round care is needed for people with chronic lung conditions, who are seven times more likely to die if they catch the flu compared to healthy adults.

Mr Carter said that with the government’s respiratory care action plan set to conclude this year, it must now develop a fully funded strategy to prevent, diagnose and treat lung conditions like COPD and asthma.

This would help not only people at risk and living with these conditions but also reduce the pressure on hospitals from flu and respiratory-related admissions.

As hospitals across Scotland struggled to cope with admissions related to “particularly high levels” of flu this winter, the charity says the government must act now to support patients and the wider health service.

A spokesperson for the Scottish government told healthandcare.scot:

“Decision-making on Scotland’s vaccination programme continues to be guided by the independent, expert advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation dand 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.”

Read more: Charities urge action on poverty's toll on lung health; New ‘clue' to treating arthritis and severe COVID; Protecting public health through pathogen genomics; Removal of mask wearing ‘dangerous'; Medics warn pollution is risking children’s health; Long COVID: Alone and forgotten; GPs to lead on frailty in new NHS improvement plan