NHS England said on 3 December 2022 that it was writing to over 800,000 parents to encourage them to have their children vaccinated against flu, usually by nasal spray, at a GP practice before Christmas1. The announcement followed a rise in serious cases among under-fives, with 230 under-fives hospitalised this week compared with 12 at the same time last year, which the NHS described as nearly 20 times as high1.
Uptake in young children is behind last year. Just under 35% of children aged two to three have had the jab so far this year, 34.1% of two-year-olds and 35.8% of three-year-olds, down 9% on last year1. Among pregnant women, 29.6% have had the vaccine this year, against 34.4% last year1. In total, just under four million invites and reminders have been sent since the programme began1.
The wider winter picture also shows pressure on hospitals. An average of 482 flu cases were in hospital each day last week, up from 344, a 40% jump on the previous week, and hundreds of NHS beds are being taken up by flu patients every day, more than ten times the number at the beginning of December last year1. Across the population, the intensive care admission rate is now higher for flu than for COVID-19, and UKHSA recently recommended that antivirals could be prescribed in primary care settings for flu given the increasing level of circulation1.
Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination include children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020), all primary school children from Reception to Year 6, some secondary school aged children, and children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions1. All pregnant women are eligible and can have the vaccination at any time during pregnancy1. The nasal spray is offered to children aged 2 to 17, with an injection where the spray is not suitable1.
"Parents are being urged to protect their children against flu this winter following a surge in serious cases among under-fives."
Steve Russell, NHS National Director of Vaccinations and Screening, said almost 18 million jabs had already been administered and that it was vital no group fell behind, adding that young children can pass flu to other vulnerable family members1. Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS National Medical Director, said flu in pregnancy can cause complications and evidence suggests it could cause a baby to be born prematurely, and that it was not too late to come forward1. Health Minister Maria Caulfield said appointments can be made via a GP1. The NCT's Elizabeth Duff said vaccination is a simple and effective way to protect against serious but avoidable consequences, and urged expectant mothers or parents with young children to discuss any questions with their doctor, nurse or midwife1.
Why it matters for households
Households with children born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020, and pregnant women, are the groups the NHS is contacting directly, with the aim of vaccination before Christmas1. The NHS says most children receive a quick spray up the nose at a GP surgery, and that for many others, including pregnant women, appointments can be booked online, with walk-in sites in many areas1. The NHS advises that the nasal spray offers the best protection for children aged 2 to 17, with an injection offered where the spray is not suitable1. The UK Health Security Agency's recommendation on antivirals in primary care applies to clinicians prescribing, not to households1.
What happens next
No further dates have been reported. The NHS describes the current position as not too late to come forward for vaccination1. Households can read more on vaccines that protect against outbreaks and in the health emergencies hub.
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
