Festive vape flavour warning as 'alarming' number of young people hospitalised
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Youngsters are being hospitalised due to harm caused by vaping amid warnings new festive flavours are being targeted at children. NHS England has released data on young people requiring treatment including for lung damage as its top doctor warns new flavours include Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies or gingerbread. In the first seven months of 2024/25 there were 31 admissions for vape related disorders among people aged under 20.
NHS National Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “More than 30 children and young people being admitted to hospital over seven months for conditions linked to vaping, such as breathlessness and potential lung damage, is simply alarming.
“With vape companies pumping out Christmas deals and festive flavours, like Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies or gingerbread, they are likely to be appealing to younger age groups, and despite websites often stating vapes are for over 18s, it is possible to purchase them with little to no checks.”.
Vape-related hospitalisations had already increased four-fold between 2021/22 when there were 11 cases, and 2023/24 when there were 51 in England. The latest data for the first part of this year shows the trend is continuing. Last month the new Tobacco and Vapes bill passed its first Commons hurdle comfortably by 415 votes to 47. It includes a ban on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as powers to restrict the flavours and packaging of vapes in an attempt to reduce their appeal to children. The bill will face further scrutiny from MPs and peers but is likely to become law.
