Flu-related hospital admissions in England have surged significantly, with 422 new cases reported last week, up from 251 the previous week. This increase reflects an unusually early start to the flu season, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Health officials are raising alarms that millions eligible for vaccination remain unaware of their eligibility, potentially leaving them vulnerable to severe illness.
The rate of hospital admissions for flu currently stands at 3.8 per 100,000 people, a notable rise from 2.4 per 100,000 the previous week. This level of flu activity is typically not observed until early December, indicating an early onset of the flu season. In comparison, the admission rate was only 1.1 per 100,000 at this time last year, and 0.4 in 2023. The 2022 flu season, the worst in a decade, saw a rate of 1.4 per 100,000.
Vulnerable Populations at Risk
Admission rates are particularly high among the elderly and young children. People aged 85 and over have an admission rate of 14.2 per 100,000, up from 13.4. For children aged four and under, the rate is 12.2, a sharp increase from 6.2. Additionally, those aged 75 to 84 have seen their rate rise to 11.9 from 5.8.
Despite the rising numbers, less than a third (28.9%) of individuals with long-term health conditions have been vaccinated against flu this season. The UKHSA’s data highlights a stark risk disparity, with flu-related mortality being 40 times more likely for those with chronic neurological diseases, 47 times for the immunosuppressed, and 48 times for individuals with chronic liver disease.
Urgent Calls for Vaccination
Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA’s deputy director for immunisation, emphasized the critical need for vaccinations. “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, when for many this could be potentially prevented by vaccination,” she stated.
“Don’t wait or delay, book your vaccine appointment today, because flu is spreading now.”
Flu vaccinations are available for a wide range of groups, including everyone aged 65 and over, those under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, pregnant women, and frontline health and social care workers. Vaccinations can be accessed through local pharmacies, GP practices, and community clinics.
Efforts to Increase Vaccination Rates
Dr. Claire Fuller, NHS national medical director, stressed the importance of increasing vaccination uptake among people with long-term health conditions. “We are urging people with long-term health conditions to book their flu jabs now and make sure they get protected, as they are vulnerable to the virus and it can make them seriously ill,” she said.
“More than 12 million people have had their flu vaccinations providing crucial protection as winter rapidly approaches and cases of flu rise.”
The NHS has been ramping up efforts to facilitate easy access to vaccinations, offering them at various locations including GP practices, pharmacies, and schools. The NHS website, app, and the ‘walk-in flu finder’ feature provide convenient options for booking or finding nearby vaccination sites without appointments.
Looking Ahead
As flu cases continue to rise, health officials are focusing on increasing awareness and accessibility of flu vaccinations to prevent a potential healthcare crisis. The early onset of the flu season serves as a reminder of the virus’s unpredictability and the importance of timely vaccination, especially for those at increased risk of severe illness.
With the holiday season approaching, health authorities are urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated, either through school programs or by booking appointments for younger children. The collective effort to boost vaccination rates could be pivotal in mitigating the impact of this early and aggressive flu season.
