NHS issues ‘flu jab SOS’ ahead of winter peak
The NHS has launched an urgent appeal urging eligible adults to get vaccinated against flu as winter approaches. England’s chief nurse called for people to act quickly, warning the worst part of the flu season is only weeks away.
To meet demand, 2.4 million vaccination appointments will open next week—enough to immunize the entire population of Greater Manchester or Botswana. The health service is working to prevent a surge in flu cases, which have already appeared more than a month earlier than usual and are three times higher than this time last year.
“Eligible adults are being urged to come forward now, so they are fully protected ahead of the peak flu season.”
Australia has just experienced its most severe flu season on record, a warning sign of what could soon reach England. NHS data shows that since the vaccination campaign began, over 13.2 million flu doses have been administered across the country. Around 59.4% of care home residents are now protected through coordinated efforts between care homes and NHS community teams, including on-site vaccinations and local mobile clinics.
Additionally, 2.3 million children have received flu vaccines so far, including 400,000 two- and three-year-olds—only a third of all children eligible for the jab.
Summary
The NHS warns of an early, severe flu season and urges adults and families to get vaccinated promptly before winter’s peak strain arrives.