Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal for those eligible to book their flu vaccination appointments promptly as the flu season approaches its peak. This call follows concerns about an unusually early start to the season, especially with record high rates among children and young people.
Early Flu Season and Rising Cases
Duncan Burton recently warned that this year’s flu season began earlier than usual, prompting the CNO to urge swift action:
“It is only weeks before the worst of the flu season typically hits. Those eligible should book their appointments urgently.”
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
NHS England announced the opening of 2.4 million additional vaccination slots next week. Flu vaccines are available for:
- People aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents and carers
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Progress in Vaccination Rollout
Since the programme began in September, NHS teams across England have administered over 13 million flu vaccines. Currently, 59.4% of all care home residents have been vaccinated, and 2.3 million eligible children have received their vaccine.
“Three in five care home residents are now protected against flu.”
The appeal reinforces the importance of timely vaccination to reduce the impact of an early and intense flu season.
Author’s summary: The Chief Nursing Officer urges eligible individuals to book flu vaccines urgently amid an early, severe flu season, with NHS scaling up appointments to protect vulnerable groups and children.