Chief Nurse Urges Public to Book Flu Vaccinations
England's Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal to those eligible for a flu vaccination to schedule their appointments promptly ahead of the peak flu season. This follows earlier warnings about an unusually early start to the season, with record high flu rates among children and young people.
Early Flu Season Concerns
Last week, Duncan Burton highlighted the premature arrival of flu, raising particular concern over the high infection rates in younger populations. The CNO's fresh appeal emphasizes the limited time remaining before flu cases typically surge.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
NHS England announced that 2.4 million additional vaccination appointments will open next week. Flu vaccines are accessible to the following groups:
- Individuals aged 65 and over
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Residents and carers in care homes
- Pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Vaccination Progress
Since the campaign began in September, over 13 million flu vaccinations have been administered across England. Notably, nearly 60% of care home residents have been vaccinated, protecting a vulnerable group effectively.
"It is only weeks until the worst of the flu season typically bites, so we urge those eligible to book their appointments urgently."
Vaccination efforts continue to focus on shielding the most at-risk populations as flu season advances.
Related Public Health Update
In a separate development, NHS data revealed that vaping has surpassed smoking in popularity in Britain for the first time.
Author’s summary: England's Chief Nursing Officer stresses urgency for eligible groups to book flu vaccinations soon as the early and severe flu season threatens particularly vulnerable populations.
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