There has been a sharp rise in people getting vaccinated for flu this autumn with 3.57 million taking the jab last week alone, amid a surge in both flu and COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
According to the latest data, by the end of last week (week commencing 29 September), over 4.3 million people have received the flu vaccine – including 3.57 million last week alone.
This is 28 percent higher than 3.36 million who were vaccinated by the end of the week commencing 30 September last year.
The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA’s) latest surveillance data showed that flu positivity increased from 1.9 percent to 3.3 percent and COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings increased from 11.7 percent in the previous week to 12.9 percent.
More than a million people have also received the COVID-19 vaccine, and the NHS has been taking strong early action to prepare for what is expected to be the busiest winter ever for A&E and ambulances.
Booking for winter vaccines opened earlier this year on 1 September, with delivery starting two days earlier than last year on 1 October, to encourage people to get their jabs as soon as possible.
Appointments and walk-in sessions are available in local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinic drop-in centres across the country.
Regional teams are improving access to the vaccines through mobile vaccination buses, family community drop-in sessions, and, for the first time ever, delivering flu vaccines to 2 and 3-year-olds in community pharmacies.
Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services, and via schools.
Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine changed for this autumn and winter following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommendation that it should be offered to people aged 75 or over, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those living in older adult care homes.
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said: “Vaccination is a crucial part of our efforts to protect the vulnerable and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I’m delighted to see this big increase in the numbers of people getting vaccinated at this stage.
“It is all the more vital as data shows viruses are beginning to increase, with our teams working extremely hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP practice, pharmacy, school or other community clinic."
