Chief Nurse Urges Urgent Flu Vaccination
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal to those eligible for a flu jab, urging them to book their appointments promptly before the peak of the flu season arrives.
Early Flu Season Concerns
Duncan Burton warned last week about an unusually early start to this year’s flu season, highlighting especially high rates among children and young people.
Urgent Call to Action
With only weeks before the worst of the flu season typically strikes, the CNO emphasized the importance of timely vaccination for eligible groups.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
- NHS England plans to open 2.4 million vaccination slots next week.
- Flu vaccines are available to:
- People aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents and carers
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Vaccination Progress
Since the rollout began in September, over 13 million flu vaccines have been administered nationwide, according to NHS England data.
Among care home residents, 59.4% have been vaccinated, with 2.3 million vaccines given to eligible children so far.
“This year’s flu season had an unusually early start, with particular concerns around high record rates of flu among children and young people.” – Duncan Burton
Summary: The Chief Nursing Officer urgently calls for eligible individuals to book flu vaccinations soon to protect themselves ahead of a notably early and intense flu season.