NHS issues flu jab SOS with worst of winter only weeks away

The NHS has launched an urgent "flu jab SOS" campaign as the peak of the flu season approaches within weeks. England’s chief nurse has urged eligible adults to get vaccinated now to ensure protection before winter strains the healthcare system.

To meet rising demand, the health service will open 2.4 million vaccination appointments next week, a number equal to the populations of Greater Manchester or Botswana. This effort aims to curb an early surge of flu cases, which have already tripled compared to the same time last year.

“We’re asking everyone who’s eligible to come forward now and get protected ahead of the worst of winter,” said England’s top nurse.

The warning comes after Australia experienced its largest flu season on record—a trend that often anticipates similar patterns in England. NHS data shows that teams across the country have already administered over 13 million flu vaccines (13,299,775) since the rollout began.

Progress among vulnerable groups

Nearly three in five residents of care homes have been vaccinated (59.4%), supported by a national effort to link up vaccination clinics with care homes and deliver doses through mobile units and local community hubs.

Among children, 2.3 million vaccines have been administered, including 400,000 for two- and three-year-olds—representing about a third (33%) of those eligible.

Author’s Summary

NHS England ramps up flu vaccination efforts, offering millions of new appointments as early flu cases surge and health officials urge immediate action before winter's peak.

Wired-Gov — 2025-11-06