Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has launched an urgent appeal for everyone eligible for a flu vaccine to book their appointment promptly, ahead of the peak flu season.
Last week, Duncan Burton highlighted an unusually early start to this year’s flu season, with particularly high infection rates among children and young people.
Urgent Call to Action
The CNO stressed that only weeks remain until the flu season typically intensifies and urged eligible individuals to secure their vaccination appointments without delay.
Vaccination Availability
NHS England announced it will open 2.4 million flu vaccination slots next week. Flu vaccines are available to:
- 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
Since the campaign began in September, NHS England data shows over 13 million flu vaccines have been administered nationwide.
3 in 5 care home residents (59.4%) are now protected against flu, with 2.3 million vaccines given to eligible children.
Related Article
Vaping has overtaken smoking in Britain for the first time, according to NHS England.
Summary: England's Chief Nursing Officer urges eligible groups to book flu vaccinations promptly amid an early and severe flu season, with NHS ramping up vaccine availability.