Millions of eligible people can now book their flu vaccination appointments as the NHS launches its winter preparations earlier than ever before.
The national booking service opened today, allowing eligible groups, including pregnant women and children, to secure appointments ahead of the vaccination programme beginning on 1 September.
The move comes as the NHS continues to face unprecedented demand following a summer marked by back-to-back heatwaves and record levels of activity across urgent and emergency care services.
NHS staff have already managed significant demand this year, with accident and emergency departments recording 2.5 million attendances in July, the highest monthly figure on record.
Between May and July, emergency departments experienced their three busiest months ever recorded. Despite these pressures, performance improved, with 75.4% of patients being seen, treated or discharged within four hours, up on June's figures.
Health leaders hope an early vaccination campaign will help reduce winter pressures by protecting vulnerable groups before flu cases begin to rise.
Flu activity traditionally peaks during December and January, making autumn vaccination essential for those most at risk of serious illness.
Flu can lead to severe complications for children, pregnant women, older adults and people living with certain long-term health conditions. In some cases, it can result in hospitalisation, respiratory failure and even death.
Last year, flu vaccinations are estimated to have helped prevent around 104,000 hospital admissions, while nearly 19 million people received a flu vaccine in England.
The vaccine is typically administered as an injection, while most children will receive a nasal spray alternative.
Local NHS services will begin inviting the first eligible groups, children and pregnant women, from next month through GP practices, the NHS App and postal invitations.
Vaccinations will be available through a range of community settings, including GP surgeries and participating high street pharmacies.
Additional eligible groups will become eligible for vaccination from 1 October, including:
- Adults aged 65 and over
- Adults in clinical risk groups
- Residents of care homes
- Unpaid carers
- People living with or caring for immunocompromised individuals
- Frontline health and care workers
This year, those eligible for enhanced protection also include adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months and above.
Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton, said:
“The NHS is kicking off its preparations for winter earlier than ever, with millions of flu jab appointments for pregnant women and children available to book from today ahead of vaccinations starting next month.
“The flu jab is one of our best defences against winter illness. It takes just a few minutes, but it can protect you for months, helping to prevent serious illness, avoid hospital admissions and keep the most vulnerable people safe.
“I’d encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward as soon as they are invited. By getting your flu jab, you’re not only protecting yourself, but also your loved ones, your community and helping the NHS prepare for winter."
Healthcare leaders hope strong vaccine uptake will help safeguard vulnerable patients, reduce avoidable hospital admissions and ease pressure on frontline services as the NHS enters what is expected to be another challenging winter period.
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