Displaying items by tag: flu jab

The NHS is grappling with a 'tidal wave' of flu cases, with hospital admissions rising by 70% in a week, contributing to severe pressure on emergency services. In one week, hospitals in England averaged 1,861 flu patients daily, including 66 in critical care - up from 1,099 and 39 in the previous week. Combined with increasing cases of Covid, RSV, and norovirus, this 'quad-demic' is straining A&E departments and ambulance services. Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated to prevent severe illness and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system. Of the 30 million eligible for NHS flu jabs, so far only half have come forward. With 95% of hospital beds occupied and lengthy waits for emergency care, NHS leaders are prioritising treating the sickest patients over meeting waiting time targets. This winter is expected to be one of the most challenging yet for the NHS, despite efforts to manage rising demand. See

Complacency over the flu jab risks overwhelming the NHS as data reveals the scale of the challenge in expanding the vaccination programme. Last month, the Government announced plans to double the number of people who receive the jab even though the take-up rate among people in vulnerable groups eligible to have it for free has declined. The UK has an ambition to vaccinate 55% of people in vulnerable groups, such as those with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, or chronic asthma. WHO has previously said countries should vaccinate 75% of people in ‘vulnerable’ categories. Getting the flu vaccine is vital now more than ever with the possible co-mingling of Covid and flu.