The NHS has launched an urgent appeal for flu vaccinations as England braces for the worst of the flu season in the coming weeks. England’s chief nurse is urging eligible adults to get vaccinated promptly to ensure full protection before the peak winter months.
To meet rising demand, NHS England is providing 2.4 million vaccination appointments next week — enough doses to cover the entire populations of Greater Manchester or Botswana. The goal is to curb the early surge of flu cases, which are already three times higher than at the same point last year.
This early increase follows Australia’s most severe flu season on record, often a reliable forecast for England's upcoming flu trends. NHS data shows significant progress in vaccine delivery with over 13 million flu jabs administered since the campaign began.
“Eligible adults are urged to come forward now to be fully protected ahead of the usual flu season peak.”
The NHS stresses the importance of timely vaccination to protect individuals and reduce NHS pressure during what is expected to be a challenging winter.
The NHS is urgently expanding flu vaccinations amid rising cases and severe early flu season warnings, emphasizing timely protection for vulnerable populations this winter.