Publish date: 17 December 2024
Flu hit hospitals in Greater Manchester even harder last week, as a ‘tidal wave’ of infections led to a 49% increase in hospital cases in the city-region in seven days.
In just one week, hospitalisations increased from 61 patients (25 November – 1 December) to 91 (2 December – 8 December) in the city-region. While the North West as a whole saw a 28% increase – with 1,153 patients with flu in hospital last week, up from 825 the week before.
That’s why NHS Greater Manchester is encouraging all eligible people to get their flu vaccination without delay if they haven’t already – to avoid “festive flu” when mixing over the Christmas break and to protect the elderly and most vulnerable people.
Winter vaccinations are being offered at football clubs, supermarkets and Christmas events as the NHS braces itself for a rise in winter viruses as we head towards Christmas, in less than two weeks. With shoppers across Greater Manchester able to add a flu jab to their Christmas shopping list with mobile vaccination vans located in supermarket carparks and town centres.
Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows flu cases are currently highest among 5 to 14-year-olds, but adult cases are expected to rise significantly once schools and nurseries close for Christmas, as the NHS contends with a ‘quad-demic’ – with flu, RSV, COVID-19 and norovirus all reaching record levels for this time in the year.
People have just over a week left to book COVID-19 and flu vaccination appointments on the NHS online booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service – until the autumn vaccination programme officially ends on Thursday 19th December.
Still, NHS Greater Manchester is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families and friends over the festive period and into the new year.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester said: “We can’t emphasise enough how important it is for anyone who hasn’t already had their flu vaccine and is eligible to do so. It is our best defence against flu and is vital for protecting those and everyone around them who are most at risk.
“It can be easy for those who haven’t experienced it to dismiss flu as a bad cold because it is something that comes around every year, but the effects from getting it can be devastating as it can increase the risk of developing serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia or make existing conditions worse.
“While a healthy person may recover in a couple of weeks, for some people the disease can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.
“So get a vaccine and don’t let flu spoil the festive season!”
Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.
It is still possible to book your vaccinations after 19th December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer appointments, and you may need to travel further.
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 their vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.
People can continue booking the flu and COVID-19 vaccine through local services until Tuesday 31st January. After that, Covid vaccinations will close, and people will be required to wait for a future seasonal campaign unless they develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens the immune system, in which case a clinician may advise vaccination sooner.
For those eligible for a free flu vaccine after 19 December, it will still be possible to book one by contacting their GP surgery or by finding a pharmacy that offers the NHS flu vaccination if you’re 18 or over.
Parents should also ensure that eligible children are protected against the flu with the nasal spray vaccine, as they are at a higher risk of catching and spreading the virus. If caught, it can lead to serious problems like bronchitis and pneumonia.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England – North West said: “It normally takes around two weeks for a flu vaccination to offer maximum protection, meaning it’s vital that those wishing to be protected over the festive holidays get themselves vaccinated as soon as possible and it only takes a few moments to book your flu and COVID-19 vaccines online.
“NHS staff across the North West are working incredibly hard under severe pressure, with a rise in common respiratory illnesses impacting our services earlier than ever.
“Winter vaccines are the best way we can protect ourselves, while also helping to ease the workload on hospitals and the dedicated NHS workers who will be very busy during Christmas.”