Last chance to get vaccinated before Christmas as NHS is slammed by flu cases
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging all eligible people to ensure they are vaccinated in the lead up to Christmas as rates of flu continue to rise week-on-week.
Flu activity increased again this week, including both hospital admission rates and the rate of positive tests. With just two weeks to go, time is running out to be protected in time for the festive period.
It can take up to two weeks following vaccination to develop maximum immune response, making it vital that those eligible book an appointment now. Flu activity typically continues well into the new year, so the vaccination will provide protection across the winter months.
A drifted flu H3N2 strain is circulating this winter, meaning less natural immunity in the community and an unusually early start to the season, but published data from UKHSA shows the vaccine being used this winter is effective at preventing severe disease.
H3N2 flu strains typically affect older adults more severely than H1N1 strains, leading to more hospitalisations and deaths, creating further pressure on our NHS this winter.
Those who are eligible for the flu vaccine are at most risk of serious complications from flu. This includes everyone over 65, those who are pregnant, or those with certain long-term health conditions.
School-aged children in reception to Year 11 are offered the vaccine through school, while parents can book an appointment at their GP surgery for 2 and 3-year-olds. Any children missing their flu vaccine in school should still be able to visit local community clinics to get protected.
- Influenza activity increased and is circulating at medium levels;
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) showed mixed trends and is now circulating at medium levels;
- COVID-19 activity showed mixed trends but continued to circulate at baseline levels.
