Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent call for those eligible for a flu vaccination to book their appointments promptly before the peak of the flu season arrives.
Last week, Duncan Burton highlighted that this flu season started unusually early, with especially high infection rates among children and young people.
Urgent Vaccination Appeal
The CNO emphasized that just weeks remain before the flu season typically worsens and urged eligible individuals to secure their vaccination appointments without delay.
Vaccination Availability
NHS England announced that 2.4 million vaccination slots will become available next week. Flu vaccines are offered 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
Vaccination Progress
Weekly NHS England data shows over 13 million flu vaccines have been administered since the campaign started in September.
Currently, 59.4% of care home residents have received the flu vaccine, and 2.3 million doses have been given to eligible children.
“It is only weeks to go before the worst of the flu season typically bites. We strongly encourage those eligible to book their flu jab urgently,” said the CNO.
Author’s summary: England’s Chief Nursing Officer urgently urges eligible groups to book flu vaccinations promptly amid early season rise and high infection rates in children and vulnerable populations.
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