NHS points pressing name for flu jabs as virus instances triple final 12 months’s ranges
The NHS has issued an urgent ‘flu jab SOS’ as cases of the virus have soared to triple those recorded at the same time last year, with just weeks to go before the worst of the flu season typically bites
The NHS has sounded an urgent ‘flu jab SOS’, pleading with the public to get their protection sorted immediately as an early surge of the virus takes hold. With only weeks remaining before the flu season typically reaches its peak, infections have rocketed to three times the levels seen at this point last year.
This comes on the heels of Australia’s most severe flu season on record, which the NHS cautions often serves as a reliable forecast for what England can expect.
The health service has rolled out 2.4 million vaccination appointments for next week – sufficient to inoculate the entire population of Greater Manchester – and qualifying adults are being implored to step forward without delay.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, declared: “With just weeks left to ensure best protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to the eligible people who have yet to get jabbed this year.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
“It is vital that the public use the over 2.4 million available appointments we have running next week to stamp out this early wave of flu cases and help shield themselves ahead of winter, when viruses tend to circulate and the NHS faces increased pressure on its services.
“The vaccine is proven to be safe and help prevent those at risk from getting seriously ill and even hospitalised from flu – so please check your local pharmacy, book an appointment online or by calling 119, or speak to your GP practice today about your winter flu vaccine.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported an increase in the percentage of people testing positive for flu, rising to 8.2 per cent between October 20 and October 26, compared with 6.1 per cent the previous week.
Last year, the NHS administered over 18.5 million flu jabs to adults and children, with the UKHSA estimating that the vaccine prevented approximately 100,000 hospitalisations in England during the last winter season.
So far this year, the NHS has already delivered more than 13 million flu vaccines since the start of the rollout, along with 3.8 million Covid-19 jabs.
Dr Suzanna McDonald, National Lead for the Influenza programme at UKHSA, warned: “Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks. Many people often think they have flu when they only have a bad cold. If you get flu, it is nasty and for some more vulnerable it can be deadly.”
She urged those eligible for the vaccine not to delay, saying: “If you’re eligible it is because you are at greater risk. If you’ve not yet had a flu vaccine, don’t regret it later – stay strong and get vaccinated – as soon as possible.”
Who qualifies for a flu jab or Covid vaccine?
Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, frontline social care workers, health and social care staff, and children.
Covid jabs are now accessible to adults aged 75 and over, elderly care home residents, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Those who qualify can arrange an appointment for their flu vaccination at their nearest pharmacy through the NHS App, their GP surgery, online here or by telephoning 119.
Parents are also being urged to return their child’s vaccination consent forms to schools, or to schedule an appointment for 2 to 3 year olds, to guarantee their child receives flu protection before the Christmas break.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton stated: “Vaccination is the best form of defence against flu – particularly for the most vulnerable.”
She continued: “With flu cases already triple what they were this time last year, I urge everyone eligible to take up one of the 2.4 million appointments available next week.”
The minister added: “Getting vaccinated now means you’ll have the best possible protection in place for yourself and your loved ones, and will also be protecting our NHS as we approach the challenging winter months.”
