The NHS has vaccinated nearly a million more people against flu this autumn compared with the same time last year, in what officials describe as a vital effort to protect the public ahead of winter as flu cases begin to rise.
New NHS data shows that 4.3 million people have received the flu vaccine so far, including 3.57 million in the past week alone, marking a 28% increase on the 3.36 million vaccinated by the end of the same week in 2024.
The increase comes amid early signs of rising respiratory illness across England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reported that flu positivity has grown from 1.9% to 3.3%, while COVID-19 positivity in hospital settings has increased from 11.7% to 12.9%.
Early Action Ahead of a “Very Challenging Winter”
More than one million people have also received a COVID-19 vaccine this autumn, as the NHS moves to prepare for what it expects to be its busiest winter ever for emergency departments and ambulances.
Booking for winter vaccinations opened earlier than usual on 1 September, with delivery starting two days earlier than last year on 1 October, to encourage early uptake. Appointments and walk-in sessions are available across pharmacies, GP practices and community clinics, supported by local and regional outreach initiatives.
These include mobile vaccination buses, family drop-in sessions, and, for the first time, flu vaccines for 2 and 3-year-olds being delivered in community pharmacies.
Since September, NHS teams have been rolling out flu jabs to pregnant women and children through GP practices, maternity services and schools.
“Vaccinations Can Genuinely Save Lives”
Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, welcomed the increase in uptake:
“Vaccination is a crucial part of our efforts to protect the vulnerable and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter, so I’m delighted to see this big increase in the numbers of people getting vaccinated at this stage.
It is all the more vital as data shows viruses are beginning to increase, with our teams working extremely hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP practice, pharmacy, school or other community clinic.
Vaccinations are our best defence against these potentially very dangerous viruses and can genuinely save lives, so I would urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.”
Eligibility and Access
Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine has been refined this year following Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice. It is now being offered to people aged 75 and over, those with weakened immune systems, and residents of older adult care homes.
Flu vaccines remain available for everyone aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed people, frontline health and social care workers, as well as children and pregnant women.
The NHS is urging people to check their eligibility before booking. The NHS website provides details based on age, health conditions and medication, while GP practices and pharmacists will confirm eligibility before administering vaccines.
Rising Cases Underscore Need for Protection
UKHSA data shows 70 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents were reported in adult care homes last week, underscoring the importance of vaccination in vulnerable settings.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:
“It’s really encouraging to see people already taking up the flu vaccine offer, especially as we’re starting to see cases increasing in our surveillance data. Over the past few weeks, we have seen flu and COVID-19 cases starting to increase. The latest data also shows a rise in people being hospitalised with COVID-19, so it’s more important than ever that vulnerable groups are protected.
As we head into the winter months when we are likely to see cases continue to rise, it’s vital that eligible individuals take up the offer now to ensure they are protected. We know that vaccination is the best defence against respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 and this is a simple step you can take to help look after yourself and your family this winter.”
How to Get Vaccinated
You can book an appointment via the NHS App, through your local GP practice, or online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu.
Alternatively, you can call 119 or use the NHS walk-in finder to locate your nearest drop-in clinic.
