Overview
- To boost uptake, NHS England is opening 2.4 million vaccination appointments next week and urging eligible people to book via pharmacies, GP practices, the NHS App or by calling 119.
- UKHSA reports flu test positivity rose to 10.9% last week from 8.2% a week earlier, and hospital admissions increased to 3.8 per 100,000 people.
- NHS data show cases are about three times higher than at this point last year, with the rise led by 5–14-year-olds and a push for parents to return school consent forms and book jabs for 2–3-year-olds.
- More than 13.3 million flu vaccines have been delivered so far, yet only about a third of eligible toddlers have been vaccinated.
- Officials highlight 7,757 flu deaths last winter and UKHSA estimates that vaccination prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations, noting concerns following Australia’s record season.