The flu season has hit the NHS more than a month earlier than
usual, with cases three times higher than this time last year.
The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA's) latest surveillance
data published today shows cases have increased this week from
6.1% up to 8.2% - largely driven by a spike among school-aged
children – and is up from 2.9% this time last year.
It follows the warning signs from the Asia-pacific, where Japan
has already declared a flu epidemic, with many schools needing to
close.
This early increase has prompted concerns of flu spreading into
the wider population in the coming weeks and triggering a “long
and drawn-out flu season”.
NHS teams are ramping up efforts on its autumn/winter flu vaccination
campaign to prevent further spreading of the virus,
with 12.2 million flu vaccines delivered so far this autumn
(12,219,568).
This includes more than 6.7 million flu vaccines delivered to
over 65s (6,770,248), 1.8 million to school-aged children and
over 366,000 to two - and three-year-olds – thanks to NHS staff
making it as easy as possible for those eligible to get
vaccinated this year by improving access and delivering vaccines
closer to home in the community.
For the first time, those eligible for winter vaccines have been
able to book since 1 September to allow more people to book their
flu or COVID-19 vaccine appointments in advance.
All eligible adults should aim to have received their flu
vaccination by the end of November - with vaccines available for
everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups,
care home residents and carers, pregnant women, close contacts of
those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social
care workers as well as children.
Appointments and walk-in sessions are available in local
pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres
across the country.
Parents are also reminded to complete their child's vaccination
consent forms to schools, or to book an appointment for 2 to
3-year-olds, to ensure their child gets vaccinated against flu
ahead of the Christmas period.
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England,
said: “This early rise of flu in children is
particularly concerning – especially given that flu circulation
in children normally precedes that in adults – so it's vitally
important those eligible come forward for their vaccine as soon
as possible to avoid a long and drawn-out flu season.
“The flu virus changes every year, so it's important to get a
vaccination each year to ensure yours and your families
protection and to help reduce the spread to others.
“Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to help
shield against the virus and prepare for what we expect to be a
very challenging winter, so I would urge everyone eligible to
come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to
book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to
home.”
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA,
said: “We're seeing an unusually early start to the flu
season this year, with the latest data showing a sharp increase
among children but also increases in other age groups, with the
virus now starting to spread more widely in the community.
“If you're eligible for a vaccine it is because you are at
greater risk of severe illness – every year we see many thousands
end up in hospital and far too many deaths from flu. It's crucial
that everyone eligible books their appointment as soon as
possible. The vaccine is our best defence.
“Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP
appointments for 2-3year olds. The nasal spray vaccine can help
stop your child from getting very unwell and reduce the risk of
passing flu to vulnerable family members.
“Anyone with flu or COVID-19 symptoms – including high
temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – should minimise
contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you
need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering,
wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well
ventilated.”
