UK facing long, tough flu season, NHS chiefs warn

The UK faces a long, drawn-out flu season, the head of England's National Health Service warns.

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

It comes as flu rates began to rise earlier this year, which is worrying as the winter vaccination campaign has only just begun and there are many vulnerable people who are yet to be protected.

NHS England is issuing a 'flu jab SOS', urging those eligible for the free vaccine to get one as soon as possible.

More than 13 million people have been vaccinated this year, but that's still more than 5 million fewer than the number who got the shot last winter.

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

“Since taking on this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me up at night. And unfortunately, it looks like this fear is becoming a reality.

“Australia has just experienced its worst flu season on record – with more than 410,000 cases – and all signs point to the NHS facing similar challenges in the months ahead. From December to March our hospitals will be at full capacity.”

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and people with certain chronic conditions can get a free flu jab on the NHS. Appointments can be made online, by calling 119 or at local pharmacies and GPs.

Children between the ages of two and 16 can also be vaccinated with a nasal spray. This is mainly done to stop the spread of influenza.

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

The past three years have seen the two worst winter flu seasons in a decade, partly due to the virus bouncing back after Covid restrictions were lifted, coupled with low immunity.

Last year, about 8,000 people died from the flu, and the 2022-2023 flu season has seen nearly 16,000 deaths.

Flu incidence is currently three times higher than normal for this time of year, with the highest rates occurring in children and young people. But health officials have warned that the virus will begin to spread among older people in the coming weeks.

Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “With only a few weeks left to provide the best possible protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to eligible people who have yet to receive a vaccine this year.

“It is vital that the public take advantage of the available appointments we have next week to stop this early wave of flu cases and help protect themselves ahead of winter.

“The vaccine has been shown to be safe and help prevent serious illness and even hospitalization in people at risk for influenza.”