The NHS is urging people to come forward for their flu vaccine without delay so they and their families are protected in time for Christmas.
It normally takes about two weeks following a flu jab to develop maximum protection, meaning those who want to be protected for Christmas Day get togethers will need to be jabbed by this Wednesday.
The NHS is busier than it has ever been going into winter with a surge of flu and norovirus heralding the start of a ‘quad-demic’, health leaders warn.
The number of people in hospital with flu has more than quadrupled compared with last year, with Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also circulating.
Hospitals in England are managing record flu-levels for this time of year, with a 350 per cent increase in hospital flu cases compared to the same week last year.
New figures for the NHS in England show an average of 1,099 flu patients were in hospital beds each day last week, including 39 in critical care.
This is up sharply on the equivalent numbers for the same week in 2023, when the total was 243 with nine in critical care.
Concerns had initially been raised over a ‘tripledemic’ of flu, RSV and Covid-19 heaping additional pressure on the health service.
The number of people in hospital with flu has more than quadrupled compared with last year, with Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also circulating (file image)
More than 27 million jabs have already been carried out for flu, Covid and RSV in England, but the NHS is urging more people to come forward (file image)
But after an 86 per cent rise in norovirus cases in hospital compared with the same week last year, the NHS’s top doctor has told the service to brace for a ‘quad-demic’.
There were an average of 756 patients with norovirus in hospital beds each day last week, 1,390 patients with Covid and 142 children in hospital each day with RSV.
And the service is expected to get busier in the coming months.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, National Medical Director for NHS England, said: ‘Flu cases are skyrocketing so it’s now or never for older people and children to get themselves jabbed and protected ahead of any family get togethers they have planned over the festive period.
‘Every Christmas we see far too many older adults and children admitted to hospital because of flu, and the best way to avoid this situation is getting your flu jab if you are eligible.
‘The flu vaccine is our best defence against winter viruses, and it also helps to reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff who will be working flat out over the Christmas break.
‘So I would urge anyone who’s eligible to add booking their flu jab to their list of things to do in the run up to Christmas so they can protect themselves and their families this December.’
Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
The NHS is busier than it has ever been going into winter with a surge of flu and norovirus heralding the start of a ‘quad-demic’Â
More than 27 million jabs have already been carried out for flu, Covid and RSV in England, but the NHS is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families over Christmas.
It is never too late to get jabbed however, and people have until the end of 19 December to book Covid-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows flu cases are highest among those aged 5 to 14.
The vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose – without the need for an injection – unless the child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.
It is still possible to book your vaccinations after December 19 through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites.
However, there will be fewer Covid appointments, and people may need to travel further.
