'Now is the time to get vaccinated': Latest warning as 'unusually early' flu outbreak continues
The flu season has hit ‘unusually early’ this year 🤧
- Those who are eligible are being urged to book their flu vaccine.
- The flu season has hit ‘unusually early’ this year following the emergence of a new strain, H2N3.
- The NHS is making it as easy as possible for those eligible to get the flu jab.
A new plea has been issued to those eligible for the flu vaccine, as cases continue to rise following an “unusually early” flu season.
The NHS is making it as easy as possible for those eligible to get the jab, with local healthcare teams hosting pop-up clinics across shopping centres, high streets, football clubs and soft play areas over the next week.
15.4 million people have come forward for their flu vaccine since this season’s rollout began, with 2.4 million appointments across the next week.
The new H3N2 flu strain now makes up the “majority” of cases, with data released by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) showing cases remain particularly high in children and young adults.
The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “With the festive season fast approaching and flu cases higher than last year, now is the time to get vaccinated.
“We’re making it easier than ever – NHS teams will be in shopping centres and on high streets across the country over the coming days, so you can get your jab while doing your Christmas shopping.
“This is just one of the steps we’ve taken to prepare the health system for the colder months – including stress testing winter plans, making sure community teams have the vaccines they need, and identifying patients most vulnerable in winter. Getting vaccinated now protects you, your loved ones, and helps our NHS through the challenging winter months ahead.”
Why is there an early flu season?
The flu season has hit unusually early this year. The cause is thought to be the new flu strain, H3N2, which is different from last year’s strain, leading to less immunity and higher infection rates.
Cases of the new H3N2 strain continue to rise and now account for the “majority” of infections. Data released by the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) revealed they remained particularly high in children and young adults.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “Flu has hit us early this year and we’ve just faced the first cold snap of the season, which can be dangerous for those over the age of 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.
“NHS staff across the country are working flat out to protect as many people as possible from flu ahead of winter – hosting pop-up clinics closer to home and on the high street – so it is vital the public come forward for one of the 2.4 million appointments running next week, as getting your jab remains the best way to shield yourself from getting seriously ill.”
Who is eligible for a flu jab?
The flu vaccine remains the best defence against flu for children and adults, despite the emergence of the H3N2 strain, which is driving an unusually early flu season.
Those eligible for a flu vaccine include people aged 65 and over, those in clinical risk groups, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, pregnant women and children, care home residents and carers, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff.
Parents are being reminded to complete their child’s school vaccination consent forms or to book an appointment for 2 to 3-year-olds if they haven’t already done so.
Flu season has started unusually early this year. Find out the signs and symptoms of the flu and how to book your flu vaccine at NHS.UK.