Flu vaccine: How can I book my jab and where can I get it?
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Health experts have urged eligible Britons to come forward for their flu vaccine, especially if they are more vulnerable due to pregnancy, age or chronic health conditions. Experts have warned they believe a rise in flu cases nationwide this winter is the result of fewer people opting to get a flu jab.
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NHS England said it is concerned about the higher than usual number of flu cases, which has has been accompanied by a rise in Covid-19, norovirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases as colder winter weather arrived in the UK. Health service chiefs said they have taken measures to manage the extra demand, including providing about 1,300 more hospital beds than last year, as well as a number of “24-hour coordination centres and support for frequent users of A&E services”.
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Health officials are now calling on the public to take up “final chance” vaccinations where available for flu, as well as other infections such as Covid-19. The national booking system for flu vaccination closed on December 19, but eligible patients can still book their vaccination through their GP surgery or local pharmacy where available, according to the agency.
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"The best way to protect yourself from flu is to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of serious disease," she said, noting that, even though there can be a mismatch between the strains targeted by vaccines and those in circulation, getting a shot can protect against developing severe disease needing hospitalisation.”.
