Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal for everyone eligible for a flu vaccination to book their appointments promptly before the flu season worsens.
The appeal follows concerns highlighted by Duncan Burton, who noted an unusually early start to this year’s flu season, with especially high infection rates among children and young people.
“It is only weeks before the worst of the flu season typically bites,” the CNO warned, urging those eligible to act quickly.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
- NHS England announced the opening of 2.4 million additional vaccination slots next week.
- Flu vaccines are available to:
- People aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Current Vaccination Progress
Weekly NHS England data shows more than 13 million flu vaccines have been administered since September.
Protection rates among care home residents have reached 59.4%, with 2.3 million vaccines given to eligible children.
“Three in five care home residents are now protected against flu,” NHS data confirms.
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Author’s summary: England’s CNO urges timely flu vaccinations as the season approaches, emphasizing early booking for at-risk groups amid high infection rates, especially among youth.