NHS issues flu jab SOS with worst of winter only weeks away

The NHS has launched a nationwide call for people to get their flu vaccinations, as England’s top nurse warns that the most severe weeks of the flu season are fast approaching. With flu cases beginning earlier and rising faster than last year, officials are urging all eligible adults to act now.

To meet demand, the health service will make 2.4 million vaccination slots available next week—enough to cover the entire population of Greater Manchester or Botswana. This expansion follows a rise in flu cases that are already triple compared to the same period last year.

“We’re asking everyone who’s eligible to get their jab as soon as possible,” said NHS leaders, aiming to head off a tough winter for hospitals and clinics.

Data from around the country shows more than 13 million vaccines have already been administered since the rollout began (13,299,775). The level of protection in care homes is encouraging, with nearly three in five residents vaccinated (59.4%). This progress has been achieved through joint efforts linking vaccination teams with care home staff, along with mobile vaccine buses and local pop-up clinics.

Children have also been a focus: 2.3 million eligible children have received the flu vaccine so far, including around 400,000 two- and three‑year‑olds—roughly one-third of all those eligible (33%).

Global trends mirror domestic concerns

Health officials noted that Australia has just experienced its most intense flu season on record, often a reliable signal of what the UK can expect. The NHS hopes that early action in England will offset similar pressures and help prevent severe outbreaks later this winter.

Author’s summary

The NHS is accelerating flu vaccinations to counter an earlier-than-usual surge, offering millions of new slots and emphasizing early protection for vulnerable groups.

Wired-Gov — 2025-11-06