Chief Nurse Issues Urgent Flu Jab Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent call for everyone eligible for a flu vaccination to book their appointments promptly as the flu season approaches its peak.
The warning follows Duncan Burton’s recent observation that this year’s flu season started unusually early, with record-high infection rates especially among children and young people.
CNO’s Appeal to the Public
With only weeks left before the most severe phase of the flu season, the CNO emphasized the importance of timely vaccination for all eligible groups.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
- NHS England will open 2.4 million flu vaccination slots next week.
- Flu vaccines are available to:
- People aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Current Vaccination Progress
Since the rollout began in September, NHS England reports more than 13 million flu vaccines have been administered nationwide.
Protection among care home residents has reached 59.4%, with 2.3 million vaccines given to eligible children.
“This year’s flu season had an unusually early start, with particular concerns around high record rates of flu among children and young people.” — Duncan Burton
Summary: England’s Chief Nursing Officer urges all eligible individuals to book their flu vaccinations urgently amid an early and intense flu season that disproportionately affects children.