Overview
- UKHSA estimates the vaccine is 70–75% effective at preventing hospital attendance in children aged 2–17 and about 30–40% effective in adults.
- RCPCH urges parents to vaccinate as previously healthy children can become seriously ill from flu and, in rare cases, die.
- For the first time, children aged two to three can receive the nasal spray at participating community pharmacies, with a porcine‑free injectable alternative available.
- Clinicians report the season has started about a month early, with hospitals seeing rising respiratory admissions, including at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
- A drifted influenza A(H3N2) subclade (K) is dominating cases and may evade some prior immunity, and officials warn uptake gaps, including in care homes, leave many at risk.