The NHS in the North West is encouraging eligible people to get vaccinated without delay if they haven’t done so already to avoid “festive flu” with 1153 patients with flu in hospital last week – up from 825 in the previous week.
Winter vaccinations are being offered at community centres, supermarkets and Christmas events as the NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside braces itself for a rise in winter viruses as we head towards Christmas.
Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows flu cases are currently highest among 5 to 14-year-olds, but adult cases are expected to rise significantly once schools and nurseries close for Christmas.
The effort to vaccinate as many eligible people as possible comes amid new fears of a ‘quad-demic’, with flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus all reaching record levels for this time in the year, as the NHS braces for a long winter ahead.
People have this week left to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service – with the autumn vaccination programme officially ending on December 19th.
The 119 service, which provides booking support for those unable to access online services, will also close for bookings on 20th December, but it will continue answering queries until 31st January.
Still, the NHS is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families over the festive period and into the new year.
Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
Professor Rowan Pritchard Jones, Medical Director at NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, said: “The increase in flu cases and other seasonal viruses creates additional demand during an already very challenging winter period.
“While the NHS has plans in place to manage this demand, with just over a week left to book your vaccine, it’s important that people across Cheshire and Merseyside get booked in and protect yourself against developing serious illness and avoid "festive flu".
“Having your winter vaccines will also help to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS workers who will be very busy during Christmas.
“Visit www.cheshireandmerseyside.nhs.uk for dates and times of walk in clinics near you, or book your vaccines before 19th December through the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119."
It is still possible to book your vaccinations after 19th December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer appointments, and you may need to travel further.
The NHS is also offering the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75 to 79. Pregnant women are encouraged to book their vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.
People can continue booking the flu and COVID-19 vaccine through local services until 31st January. After that, Covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.
For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 19th December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you’re 18 or over.
Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.