Urgent ‘festive flu’ warning as NHS urges people to book pre-Christmas jab

Eligible people are being urged to take their last change to book flu jabs online in coming days to avoid the ‘festive flu’ ahead of Christmas.

NHS bosses say people will likely need to travel further to get vaccinated if they miss the “last chance saloon” of online bookings, which closes on December 20.

While more than half a million flu and COVID vaccinations have been booked in the last five weeks, an earlier-than-expected surge of seasonal viruses has increased flu-related hospital admissions by 70 per cent over seven days this month.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “With just three days to go, we are now in the last chance saloon to book extra protection against ‘festive flu’ via the online service.

“It’s important to remember that after Thursday, you may have to travel quite a bit further to get jabbed, with appointments no longer in as convenient places like supermarkets or car parks.”

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Source: The Independent, 17 December 2024