Overview
- UKHSA reports flu activity has started unusually early, with cases about three times higher than at this point last year and test positivity rising to 10.9%, driven largely by 5–14 year olds.
- NHS England is opening 2.4 million vaccination appointments next week and urges eligible people to book via pharmacies, GP practices, the NHS App, nhs.uk/bookflu or by calling 119.
- More than 13 million flu vaccines have already been delivered this season, yet uptake remains low in some groups, including only about one third of eligible toddlers.
- Officials warn of significant winter risk after 7,757 flu deaths were estimated in England last season, with vaccination estimated to have prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations.
- Authorities point to Australia’s worst flu season as a warning signal and ask parents to return school consent forms to boost protection among children.