London, Sept 25: UK’s National Health Services scientists have revealed that available influenza jabs have not done enough to prevent flu among the elderly.

In an article published in the October issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases, they describe how sources of bias in other, non-randomized studies have exaggerated the flu vaccine’s value in preventing flu deaths among those over 70.

The authors also say that a less-than-ideal flu vaccine is beneficial than no vaccine at all.

They also emphasise on the need to develop new and improved jabs.

The article also suggests that more people in all age groups should be vaccinated, especially the frail elderly who are at an increased risk of developing flu.

They also suggest that anti-viral drugs should be sued more aggressively to treat and prevent flu among the elderly and their contact.

The team of scientists also detail new epidemiological methods that may help in finding a more accurate picture of the impact on mortality of flu vaccination in the elderly. (With Inputs from ANI)