Chief Nurse Issues Urgent Flu Jab Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent call for everyone eligible for a flu vaccination to book their appointments promptly as the flu season approaches its peak.
Early Flu Season and Rising Cases
Last week, Duncan Burton warned of an unusually early start to this year’s flu season, highlighting particularly high flu rates among children and young people.
CNO's Renewed Appeal
In a fresh appeal, the CNO emphasized that only weeks remain before the flu season typically intensifies and urged all eligible individuals to arrange their vaccinations without delay.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
- NHS England plans to open 2.4 million vaccination slots next week.
- Flu vaccines are offered 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, and children.
Vaccination Progress
Weekly NHS England data shows over 13 million flu vaccines have been administered since the rollout began in September. Additionally, 59.4% of care home residents are now protected, with 2.3 million vaccines delivered to eligible children.
“This year’s flu season has seen an unusually early start, with particular concerns around high record rates of flu among children and young people.” — Duncan Burton
Author’s summary: The Chief Nursing Officer urges eligible individuals to get vaccinated soon as flu cases rise early, with millions already vaccinated and more slots opening next week.