UK faces long, tough flu season, NHS bosses warn

The UK is facing a long flu season, the head of NHS England warns.

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

This comes as flu rates have started to rise earlier this year, raising concerns because the winter vaccination campaign has only just begun and there are many vulnerable people who have not yet been protected.

NHS England is issuing a ‘Flu SOS’, urging those eligible for the free vaccine to come forward quickly to receive it.

More than 13 million people have been vaccinated so far this year, but that number is still more than 5 million fewer than the number of people who were vaccinated 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 this position, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me up at night. And, unfortunately, it appears that fear is becoming a reality.

“Australia has just suffered its worst flu season ever (more than 410,000 cases) and all signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the coming months. From December to March, our hospitals will be at capacity.”

People aged 65 and over, pregnant women and those with certain long-term health conditions can receive a free flu vaccine on the NHS. Appointments can be booked online, by calling 119 or at local pharmacies and GPs.

Children between 2 and 16 years old can also be vaccinated with a nasal spray. This is mainly to help stop the spread of the flu.

Other people can buy the flu vaccine at major pharmacies and some supermarket pharmacies.

The last three years have seen two of the worst winter flu seasons in the last decade, something that is partly attributed to the recovery of the virus after Covid restrictions were lifted, combined with low immunity.

Last year, almost 8,000 people died from the flu, and in the 2022-23 flu season there were almost 16,000 deaths.

Currently, flu rates are three times higher than normal for this time of year, with the highest rates seen in children and young people. But health officials have warned that the virus will begin to spread to older age groups in the coming weeks.

Duncan Burton, England’s chief nursing officer, said: “With just weeks left to ensure the best protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to eligible people who have not yet been vaccinated this year.

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

“The vaccine has been shown to be safe and helps prevent at-risk people from getting seriously ill and even being hospitalized from the flu.”