The NHS has issued a “flu jab SOS” after cases soared to triple the levels seen at this time last year. England’s top nurse urged anyone eligible for a free dose to come forward now, with only weeks to go before the season is expected to peak. Some 2.4 million vaccination slots are available next week — enough to vaccinate the population of Greater Manchester or Botswana.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “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.
“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.”
Flu jabs are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff as well as children.
Covid vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed. The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton said: “Vaccination is the best form of defence against flu — particularly for the most vulnerable.
“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.
“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.”
