Key Summary
- NHS warns of a severe flu season and urges eligible adults to get vaccinated
- Over 13 million flu jabs given, but child uptake is still low
- Flu, Covid and RSV vaccines are widely available through pharmacies, GPs and supermarkets
NHS England chief executive Jim Mackey has warned that the country may face its worst flu season and urged eligible adults to get themselves vaccinated.
He pointed out that Australia and Japan had endured their worst flu season, and it may repeat in Britain.
The country is already witnessing an early spike in flu cases, and experts fear that it may soon overwhelm the NHS.
The impending strike by resident doctors next week could put more pressure on the NHS.
“Since stepping into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me awake at night. And, unfortunately, it looks like that fear is becoming reality,” Mackey said.
Meanwhile, the health service is ensuring the availability 2.4 million vaccine slots for next week.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said, “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 latest weekly data shows NHS teams across the country have now delivered more than 13 million flu vaccines since the rollout kicked off and covered 54.9 percent of all the care home residents.
Around 2.3 million children, including 400,000 two- and three-year-olds have been vaccinated, but this only constitutes a third of eligible children.
From availing vaccination services close to home and, in-house deliveries NHS has introduced vaccination in local supermarkets.
They rolled it out in around 4,000 local pharmacies on the high street, followed by easy booking facilities via local pharmacies, NHS App, website and GP practice.
The NHS is also offering vaccinations for Covid and RSV.
