UK facing long, tough flu season, NHS chiefs warn

The boss of England’s NHS warns that England faces a long, drawn-out flu season.

Sir Jim Mackey said there was “no doubt” this winter will be one of the toughest the health service has ever faced.

Flu rates started to climb at the beginning of this year, causing concern because the winter vaccination campaign has only just begun and there are still many vulnerable people waiting to be protected.

NHS England is issuing a ‘flu vaccine SOS’ urging those eligible for the free jab to take action as soon as possible.

More than 13 million people have been vaccinated so far this year, but that number is still more than 5 million fewer than the number vaccinated last winter.

Sir Jim said: “There is no doubt that this winter will be one of the toughest our staff have ever faced.

“Ever since I stepped into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has been keeping me awake at night. And unfortunately, that fear appears to be coming true.

“Australia has experienced its worst flu season in history, with more than 410,000 cases, and all signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the coming months. From December to March, our hospitals will be at capacity.”

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with certain long-term health conditions can get a free flu jab on the NHS. Appointments can be made online, by calling 119 or from local pharmacies and GPs.

Children between the ages of 2 and 16 can also be vaccinated with a nasal spray. This is mainly to help stop the spread of flu.

Other people can buy the flu vaccine from high street pharmacies and some supermarket pharmacies.

Two of the worst winter flu seasons of the past decade occurred in the last three years; This was partly attributed to the return of the virus after Covid restrictions were lifted, combined with low immunity.

Nearly 8,000 people died from the flu last year, with nearly 16,000 deaths in the 2022-23 flu season.

Flu rates are currently three times higher than normal for this time of year; The highest rates are seen in children and teenagers. But health officials have warned that the virus will begin to spread to older groups in the coming weeks.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “With only weeks left to provide the best protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to eligible people who have not yet had a jab this year.

“It is vital that the public use the existing appointments we will be running next week to help stamp out this early wave of flu cases and protect themselves ahead of winter.

“The vaccine has been proven to be safe and helps prevent at-risk people from becoming seriously ill or even hospitalized with the flu.”