Overview
- UKHSA reports a sharp uptick in flu activity, with weekly mean test positivity at 8.2% versus 6.1% a week earlier.
- Hospital test positivity in 5–14 year-olds is about 30.8%, and flu hospitalisations rose to 2.19 per 100,000 with 247 new admissions.
- NHS England says 12.2 million flu jabs have been delivered so far, including more than 6.7 million for over-65s and 1.8 million for school-aged children.
- Health guidance urges eligible groups to book vaccines now and advises people with symptoms to minimise contact, consider face coverings, and ventilate indoor spaces.
- Local leaders warn of an earlier start in regions such as the North East, press for school consent forms and expanded access through GPs, pharmacies, schools and community clinics.