Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal for those eligible to book their flu vaccination appointments promptly before the peak of the flu season arrives.
This announcement follows warnings from Duncan Burton last week about an unusually early start to this year’s flu season, with significant concern over record-high flu rates among children and young people.
Urgent Call to Action
The CNO emphasized that only a few weeks remain before the flu season typically intensifies and strongly encouraged eligible individuals to secure their vaccination appointments without delay.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
- NHS England will open 2.4 million vaccination slots next week.
- Flu vaccines are available for:
- People aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Vaccination Progress
Weekly NHS England data shows that more than 13 million flu vaccines have been administered since the rollout began in September.
Currently, three in five care home residents (59.4%) have received protection against the flu, and 2.3 million vaccines have been given to eligible children.
Duncan Burton: "This year’s flu season has seen an unusually early start, with high record rates of flu especially among children and young people."
Chief Nursing Officer: "It is only weeks to go before the worst of the flu season typically bites, so please book your vaccination appointment urgently."
Author’s summary: England’s Chief Nursing Officer urges eligible individuals to book flu vaccination appointments quickly as the flu season starts early with record infection rates, especially among children.