Flu vaccinations top last year by 500,000 but NHS ‘far from complacent’

More than half a million additional people have been vaccinated against flu this winter compared to the same point last year, according to new NHS England (NHSE) data.

The latest figures also show that 2,676 patients were in hospital with flu during the week ending 28 December, down from 3,061 the week before.

Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS national medical director, said: ‘It is welcome news to see a drop in the number of people being admitted to hospital with flu, thanks in part to the extraordinary efforts of NHS staff, with more than half a million more people vaccinated against flu compared to the same period last year.’

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However, she added that the NHS was ‘far from complacent’ as temperatures drop and demand on services remains high.

‘If you haven’t had your flu jab yet and are eligible, please come forward – it’s not too late,’ urged Professor Pandit.

A total of 414,562 calls to NHS 111 were answered during Christmas week – nearly 24,000 more than the previous week. On Saturday 27 December alone, 87,318 calls were answered – the second highest daily total in two years.

Despite the pressure, ambulance handover times continued to improve, falling by two and a half minutes week on week, and registering times more than 14 minutes faster than the same period last year.

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Health and social care secretary Wes Streeting commented: ‘In spite of all of the challenges the NHS faces this winter, the Herculean efforts of NHS staff and our investment and modernisation mean that hospital bed occupancy is lower than this time last year and ambulance handover performance is improving.

‘But we still face intense pressures, and with this bitingly cold snap adding additional challenges it is more vital than ever those eligible get their flu jab and people only attend A&E in an emergency.’

He added: ‘Let’s all join NHS staff in doing everything we can to protect ourselves and our families through a difficult winter so NHS services are free for those who really need them.’

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At the end of last year, England’s chief nursing officer issued an ‘urgent SOS’ appeal to those eligible for a flu vaccination to get their appointment booked in before the worst of the flu season hits.

And the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) issued an urgent plea to the government to invest in both the profession and hospital beds – including by supporting community services and social care – amid an ‘unprecedented wave of super flu’.