The NHS is urging people to get their flu vaccine without delay so they and their families are protected in time for Christmas.
Typically, it takes about two weeks after a flu shot to develop maximum protection, meaning those who want to be protected for Christmas Day gatherings will need to get the vaccine by this Wednesday.
The NHS is busier than ever heading into winter with a surge in flu and norovirus heralding the start of a “quadremic”, health leaders warn.
The number of people hospitalized with the flu has more than quadrupled compared to last year, and Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also circulating.
Hospitals in England are managing record levels of flu for this time of year, with a 350 per cent increase in hospital flu cases compared to the same week last year.
New figures from NHS England show an average of 1,099 flu patients were in hospital beds each day last week, including 39 in intensive care.
This figure represents a sharp increase compared to the equivalent figures from the same week in 2023, when the total was 243, nine of them in critical care.
Concerns were initially raised about a “tripledemic” of flu, RSV and Covid-19, which would put additional pressure on the health service.
The number of people hospitalized with flu has more than quadrupled compared to last year, and Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also circulating (file image)
More than 27 million flu, Covid and RSV jabs have already been given in England, but the NHS is urging more people to come forward (file image)
But after an 86 per cent rise in norovirus cases in hospital compared to the same week last year, the NHS’s top doctor has told the service to prepare for a “quadraemia”.
Last week there were an average of 756 norovirus patients in hospital beds each day, 1,390 Covid patients and 142 children in hospital each day with RSV.
And the service is expected to increase its activity in the coming months.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director for NHS England, said: “Flu cases are soaring, so it’s now or never time for older people and children to get vaccinated and protected before any family gatherings. that they have planned during the festive period.
‘Every Christmas we see too many seniors and children admitted to the hospital due to the flu, and the best way to avoid this situation is to get a flu vaccine if you are eligible.
‘The flu vaccine is our best defense against winter viruses and also helps reduce pressure on hospitals and hard-working NHS staff who will be working flat out over the Christmas holidays.
“So I urge anyone who is eligible to add booking the flu vaccine to their pre-Christmas to-do list so they can protect themselves and their families this December.”
Flu season typically peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illness and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
The NHS is busier than ever heading into winter with a rise in flu and norovirus heralding the start of a ‘quadremic’
More than 27 million flu, Covid and RSV jabs have already been given in England, but the NHS is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families over Christmas.
However, it’s never too late to get a jab, and people have until the end of December 19 to book appointments for Covid-19 and flu vaccinations on the NHS online booking system, the NHS app and the telephone service 119.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that flu cases are highest among people aged 5 to 14.
The vaccine is usually given to children as a quick, painless spray into the nose, without the need for an injection, unless the child cannot have porcine gelatin in medical products, in which case an injectable flu vaccine is available such as alternative.
It is still possible to book your vaccines after December 19 through local NHS vaccination services such as pharmacies or walk-in sites.
However, there will be fewer Covid appointments and people may have to travel further.