NHS Issues Flu Jab ‘SOS’ With Winter Weeks Away

The NHS has issued an urgent call for people in England to get their flu jab now, warning that the worst of the winter season is only weeks away.

With flu cases already three times higher than at this time last year and hospital pressures mounting, health officials are urging eligible adults and children to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible.

The appeal comes as the NHS opens 2.4 million vaccination slots next week, aiming to protect millions ahead of the winter peak, a move described as essential to “stamping out the early wave of flu” before it spreads further.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune explores why this year’s vaccination campaign is critical to easing NHS winter pressures, protecting vulnerable groups, and strengthening resilience across health and social care.

A national ‘flu jab SOS’

England’s Chief Nursing Officer Duncan Burton said:

“With just weeks left to ensure best protection against the worst of the flu season, we are issuing an urgent SOS to the eligible people who have yet to get jabbed this year.”

He added:

“It is vital that the public use the over 2.4 million available appointments we have running next week to stamp out this early wave of flu cases and help shield themselves ahead of winter, when viruses tend to circulate and the NHS faces increased pressure on its services.”

The NHS has already delivered more than 13 million flu vaccines since the rollout began, including coverage for nearly three in five care home residents (59.4%).

Mobile vaccination buses, pharmacy partnerships, and community pop-up clinics are being used to make the jab as accessible as possible, particularly for people who may find it difficult to attend traditional GP appointments.

Early flu wave and winter warning

This year’s early rise in cases follows Australia’s largest flu season on record, a pattern that often predicts trends in the UK.

Officials warn that England could face a similar surge, with early infections putting additional strain on hospitals, GP practices, and community services.

Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton reinforced the call, saying:

“Vaccination is the best form of defence against flu, particularly for the most vulnerable.”

“With flu cases already triple what they were this time last year, I urge everyone eligible to take up one of the 2.4 million appointments available next week.”

“Getting vaccinated now means you’ll have the best possible protection in place for yourself and your loved ones, and will also be protecting our NHS as we approach the challenging winter months.”

Protecting the most vulnerable

This year’s campaign prioritises those most at risk of serious illness or hospitalisation, including:

• Adults aged 65 and over

• Under-65s in clinical risk groups

• Pregnant women

• Care home residents and carers

• Close contacts of people who are immunosuppressed

• Frontline social care and healthcare workers

• Children aged 2–16, who are offered the nasal spray vaccine.

To make access easier, parents can now book vaccinations for 2- and 3-year-olds at over 4,000 local pharmacies, supermarkets, and community clinics.

However, uptake among toddlers remains low, with only one-third of eligible two- and three-year-olds (33.4%) vaccinated so far.

Combining flu and COVID-19 protection

Alongside the flu rollout, the NHS has delivered 3.8 million COVID-19 vaccinations since October 2025.

More than 2.6 million people have received both vaccines at the same time, a coordinated approach that helps maximise protection and efficiency.

COVID-19 vaccines remain available for adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and those who are immunosuppressed.

Appointments can be booked through local pharmacies, GP practices, the NHS App, or online at www.nhs.uk/bookcovid.

Data and regional uptake

For the first time, NHS data provides a regional breakdown of flu vaccine uptake among two- and three-year-olds, helping identify local inequalities in vaccination rates.

By using this insight, local public health teams can target areas with low coverage and ensure resources are focused where they are most needed, especially in communities disproportionately affected by respiratory infections.

The latest figures indicate that over 13.2 million flu vaccinations have been administered nationwide since September 2025; however, uptake varies significantly between regions and demographics.

Addressing misconceptions and stigma

Dr Suzanna McDonald, National Lead for the Influenza Programme at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), emphasised that flu should not be underestimated:

“Flu has hit early this year and will only spread in the coming weeks. Many people often think they have the flu when they only have a bad cold.”

“If you get the flu, it is nasty, and for some more vulnerable it can be deadly. If you’re eligible, it is because you are at greater risk. If you’ve not yet had a flu vaccine, don’t regret it later. Stay strong and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

Last winter, the UKHSA estimated that the flu vaccine prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations, demonstrating its vital role in protecting both individuals and the wider health system.

Broader winter resilience

This year’s winter planning began earlier than ever before. The Government says it has stress-tested its plans across three stages: preparation, staying ahead, and response, alongside £1.1 billion in new funding for general practice, the largest increase in a decade.

The NHS has also expanded access through digital booking, pharmacy partnerships, and community vaccination hubs, reflecting a broader shift toward proactive winter preparedness.

The health service is also promoting RSV and pneumococcal vaccines for pregnant women, older adults, and people at higher risk of pneumonia, to provide comprehensive protection against respiratory illnesses.

Lessons for the health and social care sector

For regulated providers and organisations across health and social care, the NHS campaign underscores three key lessons:

• Prevention saves resources - Vaccination reduces pressure on hospitals, freeing capacity for urgent and routine care

• Early intervention matters - Proactive seasonal planning helps mitigate predictable winter risks

• Collaboration is key - Linking care homes, pharmacies, and local authorities enables a coordinated approach to public health delivery.

These lessons align with the broader shift toward integrated care and data-driven prevention principles at the heart of modern regulatory compliance and workforce planning.

In summary

With flu cases rising faster and earlier than expected, the NHS’s “flu jab SOS” serves as a timely reminder that prevention remains the most powerful tool in protecting public health.

As Duncan Burton warned, there are only a few weeks left to ensure full protection before the winter peak:

“The vaccine is proven to be safe and helps prevent those at risk from getting seriously ill or hospitalised from flu.”

Getting vaccinated now, health officials say, is not just an act of self-protection. It’s a collective responsibility to safeguard families, communities, and the NHS itself.

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Reference

West Bridgford Wire (2025). NHS issues flu jab ‘SOS’ with worst of winter only weeks away.