So far this autumn, the NHS has vaccinated almost a million more people against flu than last year, providing vital protection ahead of winter as cases begin to rise.
New data today reveals that 4.3 million people have received the flu vaccine – including 3.57 million last week alone – as NHS England teams step up efforts to help protect those most at risk of becoming seriously ill.
By the end of last week (the week beginning September 29), more than 4.3 million people had received the flu vaccine, up 28% from the 3.36 million who were vaccinated at the end of the week beginning September 30 last year.
The data comes with an increase in both flu and COVID-19 activity in recent weeks.
The latest surveillance data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that flu positivity increased from 1.9% to 3.3% and COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings increased from 11.7% in the previous week to 12.9%.
More than a million people have also received the COVID-19 vaccine, and the NHS has been taking early and aggressive action to prepare for what is expected to be the busiest winter on record for A&E and ambulances.
Reservations for winter vaccines opened earlier this year, on September 1, and delivery began two days earlier than last year, on October 1, to encourage people to receive vaccines as soon as possible.
Appointments and walk-in sessions are available at local pharmacies, GP surgeries and community clinic care centers nationwide.
Regional teams are improving access to vaccines through mobile vaccination buses, family community drop-in sessions and, for the first time, delivering flu vaccines to 2- and 3-year-olds at community pharmacies.
Since early September, vaccination teams have been distributing flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP surgeries, maternity services and schools.
Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine changed for this fall and winter following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization’s recommendation that it should be offered to people aged 75 and over, anyone with a weakened immune system or those living in nursing homes.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director of primary care and community services for 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 am delighted to see this large increase in the number of people being vaccinated at this stage.
“It is even more vital because the data shows that viruses are starting to rise, and our teams are working very hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your GP surgery, pharmacy, school or other local community clinic.
“Vaccines are our best defense against these potentially very dangerous viruses and can really save lives, so I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their vaccinations as soon as possible, with easy-to-book appointments or walk-in sessions now available closer to home.”
The NHS is urging people to check they are still eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before booking; The NHS website states whether your age, health or medication means you are eligible, and your GP or pharmacist will confirm this before giving you the vaccine.
Flu vaccines are available to everyone over 65 years of age, those under 65 years of age in clinical risk groups, residents and carers of nursing homes, close contacts of immunocompromised people, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.
Those living in care homes are eligible to receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccine and it is important that they take up the offer, as recent UKHSA data shows that 70 acute respiratory incidents of COVID-19 were reported in those settings last week.
Dr Jamie López Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “It’s really encouraging to see that people are already taking up the offer of the flu vaccine, especially as we are starting to see an increase in cases in our surveillance data. In recent weeks, we have seen flu and COVID-19 cases starting to rise. The latest data also shows an increase in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19, so it is more important than ever that vulnerable groups are protected.
“As we head into the winter months, when we are likely to see cases continue to rise, it is vital that eligible people take up the offer now to ensure they are protected. We know that vaccination is the best defense against respiratory illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, and this is a simple step you can take to take care of yourself and your family this winter.”
You can book an appointment through the NHS app, your local GP, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu either www.nhs.uk/bookcovidor by calling 119.
You can also find your nearest walk-in service or use the NHS walk-in finder.
