The NHS is urging millions of people to book their flu jab from
today as the health service starts winter preparations earlier
than ever.
From today, the national booking system is open so eligible
people, including pregnant women and children, can
pre-book their flu vaccinations when vaccinations start on
1st September.
The NHS wants to do everything it can to ease winter demand after
back-to-back heatwaves has seen staff treat record
numbers this summer.
A&E attendances hit a record 2.5 million attendances in July
and staff experienced the three busiest months ever
recorded between May and July in emergency
departments.
Despite the record pressure, more patients were seen, treated or
discharged within four hours than in June, with performance
improving to 75.4%.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so the NHS is
starting vaccinations in autumn, to ensure those at risk are
protected and fewer people hospitalised.
Flu can cause significant issues for children, pregnant women,
older adults and people with some long-term health conditions,
including hospitalisation and, in certain cases, severe
respiratory failure or even death.
Around 104,000 hospitalisations are estimated to have been
avoided last year. Last winter, nearly 19 million people received
their flu jab in England.
The jab is given in injectable form in the vast
majority of cases, and a nasal spray is provided for
most children.
Local NHS services will begin sending invites to the first cohort
of people eligible children and pregnant women - next month via
their GP practice, NHS app or letter.
Eligible people will be able to get their flu vaccination from a
variety of places in their local community, including their GP
practices and participating high street pharmacies.
Other cohorts will begin receiving the jab from 1 October. These
include those aged 65 years and over, all adults in a clinical
risk group, and adults in care homes, carers and people in close
contact with the immunocompromised and frontline healthcare
workers.
This year's cohort includes, adults aged 75 years and over,
residents in a care home for older adults; and individuals aged
six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
More information on eligibility can be found on
the NHS.uk website.
Chief Nursing Officer for England, Duncan
Burton, said:
"The NHS is kicking off its preparations for winter earlier than
ever, with millions of flu jab appointments for pregnant women
and children available to book from today ahead of vaccinations
starting next month.
The flu jab is one of our best defences against winter illness.
It takes just a few minutes, but it can protect you for months,
helping to prevent serious illness, avoid hospital admissions and
keep the most vulnerable people safe.
I'd encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward as soon as
they are invited. By getting your flu jab, you're not only
protecting yourself, but also your loved ones, your community and
helping the NHS prepare for winter."
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care ,
said:
Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk
from flu and they are also crucial for relieving pressures on our
NHS over the winter months.
Everyone who is eligible for a free vaccination will be notified
through their phone or in the post, and the system for booking
appointments is now open.
Together, we can save lives, support the most vulnerable, and
ensure our NHS is there for everyone who needs it this winter."
Dr Julie Yates, UK Health Security Agency's Deputy
Director for Immunisation Programmes, said:
"Whilst we're still in summer, illnesses like flu and COVID-19
are probably the last thing on your mind, but the seasons will
change quickly and with the national booking system now open, I'd
urge everyone who is eligible to plan ahead and book their
vaccinations as soon as possible.
Booking early means you'll be vaccinated in good time, before
these viruses start circulating widely, giving you the best
possible protection through the autumn and winter months. I
strongly encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer and get
vaccinated."
