THE NHS has vaccinated nearly a million more people against flu so far this autumn compared to last year, figures have shown.
New data reveals 4.3million people have received the flu vaccine as NHS teams across England ramp up efforts to help protect those most at risk of getting seriously ill.
The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA’s) latest surveillance data showed that flu positivity increased from 1.9 per cent to 3.3 per cent and COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings increased from 11.7 per cent in the previous week to 12.9 per cent.
More than a million people have also received the COVID-19 vaccine, and the NHS has been taking strong early action to prepare for what is expected to be the busiest winter ever for A&E and ambulances.
Booking for winter vaccines opened earlier this year on September 1, with delivery starting 2 days earlier than last year on October 1, to encourage people to get their jabs as soon as possible.
Appointments and walk-in sessions are available in local pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the country.
Regional teams are improving access to the vaccines through mobile vaccination buses, family community drop-in sessions, and for the first time ever delivering flu vaccines to 2 and 3-year-olds in community pharmacies.
Since the start of September, vaccination teams have been rolling out flu vaccines to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and via schools.
You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.
