Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal for those eligible for a flu vaccination to book their appointments promptly before the peak of the flu season arrives.
Early Flu Season Concerns
Last week, Duncan Burton highlighted the unusually early start to this year’s flu season, raising particular alarm due to record-high flu rates among children and young people.
Urgent Call to Action
In a renewed appeal, the CNO emphasized that only weeks remain before the flu season typically worsens and strongly encouraged eligible individuals to secure their vaccination appointments without delay.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
- NHS England will open 2.4 million vaccination slots next week.
- Flu vaccines are available for:
- People aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Vaccination Progress
Weekly NHS England data indicates over 13 million flu vaccines have been administered since the rollout began in September. Currently, 59.4% of care home residents have been vaccinated against flu.
“Three in five of all care home residents have now been protected against flu.”
Additionally, 2.3 million vaccines have reached eligible children so far.
Related Health Update
A recent report notes vaping has surpassed smoking in Britain for the first time.
Summary: England’s CNO urges eligible individuals to urgently book flu vaccinations amid record early flu rates and expanding vaccine availability, highlighting significant progress in protecting vulnerable groups.