Chief Nurse Issues ‘Flu Jab SOS’ Appeal
England’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) has made an urgent appeal to everyone eligible for a flu vaccine to book their appointments promptly before the peak of the flu season arrives.
Duncan Burton recently warned about the flu season starting unusually early this year, with record-high infection rates among children and young people.
“It is only weeks before the worst of the flu season typically bites,” said the CNO, urging eligible individuals to act quickly to protect themselves.
Vaccination Availability and Eligibility
NHS England announced that 2.4 million vaccination appointments will be made available next week. Flu vaccines are offered to:
- People aged 65 and older
- Under-65s in clinical risk groups
- Care home residents
- Carers and pregnant women
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children
Current Vaccination Progress
Since the rollout began in September, NHS England reports over 13 million flu vaccines have been administered across the country. Additionally, 59.4% of care home residents have been vaccinated, and 2.3 million vaccines have been given to eligible children.
“Three in five care home residents have now been protected against flu,” NHS England data indicates.
Related Initiatives
A recent taskforce has also recommended more training in ADHD for healthcare professionals to improve patient care.
Summary: England’s Chief Nursing Officer urges those eligible to promptly book flu vaccinations amid early season uptake and rising infection concerns among youth and vulnerable groups.
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