NHS England warned on 12 December 2024 that a sharp rise in flu infections led to a 70% increase in hospital cases across seven days1. An average of 1,861 patients with flu were in hospital every day last week, up from 1,099 in the previous week and three and a half times higher than the same time last year1.
The following day, the number of flu and COVID-19 jab appointments booked through the NHS's national booking system more than doubled from 9,452 on Wednesday to 21,144 on Thursday, a 124% increase1. Bookings made through the NHS App, NHS website or the NHS's national call centre reached their highest daily total of the month, with an average of one booking every four seconds1. NHS patients can also book directly with their local GP practice, so the actual number of bookings made on Thursday is likely to be significantly higher1.
Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said:
"We're pleased to have seen bookings for flu and COVID-19 jabs surge by 124% following worrying figures published yesterday about a tidal wave of seasonal viruses affecting hospitals."
Those eligible have until the end of the day on Thursday 19 December to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS App, NHS website or by calling 1191. It is still possible to book after 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, such as pharmacies or walk-in sites, but there will be fewer COVID-19 appointments and people may need to travel further1.
In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those currently eligible for a flu vaccine this year include1:
| Group |
|---|
| Pregnant women |
| All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 |
| Primary school aged children (reception to year 6) |
| Secondary school aged children (year 7 to year 11) |
| All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years |
| Those aged 65 years and over |
| Those aged 18 to under 65 years in clinical risk groups |
| Those in long-stay residential care homes |
| Carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or main carers of an elderly or disabled person |
| Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals |
| Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme |
The flu vaccine is usually given to children as a spray up the nose, without an injection, unless the child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative1. For the first time, the NHS is also offering the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks and older adults aged 75 to 79; pregnant women are encouraged to book via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS1. All NHS frontline health workers have also been offered the COVID-19 and flu vaccines1.
Why it matters for households
The rise in flu patients affects anyone in the eligible groups above, and their households, across England, in the week to 19 December 2024. NHS England says flu season usually peaks in December and January and that the vaccine provides vital protection against serious illness and hospital admission during the busy winter months1. Eligible people are being encouraged to get vaccinated without delay to avoid festive flu1. The flu guide sets out symptoms, staying at home and when to get help, and the health emergencies hub covers wider health incidents.
What happens next
Booking through the NHS App, NHS website or 119 closes at the end of the day on Thursday 19 December1. Appointments remain available after that date through local NHS vaccination services, with fewer COVID-19 appointments and possibly further travel1.
Flu Symptoms and Getting Help
