The NHS has issued a ‘flu jab SOS’, with experts warning people to get protected now, with only weeks to go before the worst of the flu season arrives.
They warn that thousands of people could die from flu this winter as the UK braces for a high level of infection.
According to NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey, the UK is facing a long, drawn-out flu season and he has “no doubt” this winter will be one of the toughest the health service has faced.
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BBC reports: It comes as flu rates have started climbing early this year, which is causing concern because the winter vaccination campaign has only just got under way and there are lots of vulnerable people yet to get protected.
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NHS England is issuing a “flu jab SOS”, urging those eligible for the free vaccine to come forward quickly for it.
More than 13 million people have been vaccinated so far this year, but that is still more than 5 million below the number who were jabbed last winter.
Sir Jim said: “There’s no doubt this winter will be one of the toughest our staff have ever faced.
“Since stepping into this role, the thought of a long, drawn-out flu season has kept me awake at night. And, unfortunately, it looks like that fear is becoming reality.
“Australia has just endured its worst flu season on record — over 410,000 cases — and all the signs suggest the NHS will face similar challenges in the months ahead. From December through to March, our hospitals will be at capacity.”
