Flu-related hospital admissions in England have surged, with 422 new cases reported last week, up from 251 the previous week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has highlighted that flu infections are circulating at levels typically not seen until early December, raising concerns about vaccination coverage.
Health officials are particularly worried that many individuals at risk of severe flu may not be aware of their eligibility for a vaccine. Current data shows that less than a third of those with long-term health conditions have received this year’s flu jab.
Flu Hospitalizations on the Rise
According to the UKHSA, the rate of hospital admissions for flu in England stood at 3.8 per 100,000 people last week, up from 2.4 the previous week. While these numbers are below recent peak levels, they are unusually high for this time of year, indicating an early start to the flu season.
Comparatively, at this point in 2024, the rate was only 1.1 per 100,000 people, and in 2023 it was 0.4. Even during 2022, the worst flu season in a decade, the rate was 1.4. The highest admission rates are among those aged 85 and over, children aged four and under, and individuals aged 75 to 84.
Vaccination Uptake and Risks
Separate figures from the UKHSA reveal that only 28.9% of people in England with one or more long-term health conditions have been vaccinated against flu this season. The data underscores the heightened risk of flu-related mortality among certain clinical groups.
Individuals with chronic neurological diseases are 40 times more likely to die from flu-related complications, those with immunosuppression are 47 times more likely, and people with chronic liver disease are 48 times more likely compared to the general population.
Last year, only 40% of the nine million people under 65 in a clinical risk group received the flu vaccine, leaving over five million unprotected. Although uptake among those aged 65 and over is higher at 61.5%, there is concern that many elderly adults with long-term health conditions remain unvaccinated.
Expert Opinions and Urgent Calls to Action
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA deputy director for immunisation, emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing severe illness and death from flu. “Every year we see many thousands of people with a long-term health condition being seriously ill in hospital from flu and tragically too many dying,” she stated, urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly.
Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, those under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, pregnant women, close contacts of the immunosuppressed, and frontline health and social care workers. Appointments and walk-in sessions are accessible at local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinics nationwide.
Efforts to Increase Vaccination Rates
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS national medical director, has reiterated the call for people with long-term health conditions to book their flu jabs. “NHS teams across the country have been ramping up efforts to make it as easy as possible for the public to get vaccinated,” she noted, highlighting the availability of vaccines at various locations including GP practices, pharmacies, schools, and community clinics.
More than 12 million people have already received their flu vaccinations, providing crucial protection as winter approaches and flu cases rise. However, Dr. Fuller stressed the need for more people with long-term health conditions to come forward.
“You can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119, and the ‘walk-in flu finder’ on the NHS App allows you to find a pharmacy where you can walk in for a vaccine without an appointment,” Dr. Fuller advised.
As flu levels continue to rise earlier than usual, the push for increased vaccination coverage remains a critical public health priority. Health officials urge everyone eligible to take immediate action to protect themselves and others from the potentially severe impacts of the flu.
