NHS England issued an urgent plea on 17 December 2025 for people to get vaccinated against flu in time to protect themselves over the New Year, as more people are in hospital with flu at this time of year than ever before1. The call came as thousands of resident doctors began a five-day strike at 7am the same day, running until 7am on Monday 22 December1.
The latest data show 451,275 flu vaccines were delivered in the first week of December, up by 28,000 on the equivalent week last year, when 422,934 were given1. More than 17.4 million flu vaccines have been delivered so far this year, 170,000 more than at this point last year, including over 60,000 frontline healthcare workers1. The NHS has been offering free flu jabs at community pop-up clinics, including Christmas markets, shopping centres and sports matches, as well as in schools1.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England's National Medical Director, said:
"These strikes come at an immensely challenging time for the NHS, with record numbers of patients in hospital with flu for this time of year."
Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said the NHS had been "going all out" to protect as many people as possible against flu, and added: "if you don't want your New Year ruined, this is your last chance to get vaccinated in time"1. The action is the 14th round of strikes by resident doctors since March 2023, resulting in 59 days of disruption to NHS services1. Resident doctors make up around half of all doctors in the NHS1.
Why it matters for households
During the strike, there may be fewer doctors working than usual, and they will prioritise life-saving care, so less urgent cases may face longer waits1. NHS England said GP practices will continue to be open, and urgent and emergency care services will remain available for those who need them1. It asked the public to use 111 online as the first port of call for urgent but not life-threatening issues during industrial action, and said patients who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or attend A&E as normal1. Appointments should only be rescheduled in the interests of patient safety, and patients are urged to attend unless contacted by the NHS and told otherwise1. The NHS also asked the public to check in on vulnerable family members and neighbours, and for those eligible to get their flu vaccine if they have not already1. The vaccinations guide sets out which vaccines protect against flu, COVID-19 and measles, and the health emergencies hub covers wider health incidents.
What happens next
The strike runs until 7am on Monday 22 December1. The NHS said it has plans in place to continue life-saving care while keeping as much routine care and scheduled operations going as possible1.
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
