People in north east London are being urged to step forward for their flu vaccination.
From Saturday (November 22), the NHS is launching London’s Big Week for Flu – a city-wide push to get as many people vaccinated as possible before winter pressures peak.
This comes after the NHS issued a ‘flu jab SOS’, warning people to “get protected now”, with only weeks to go before the worst of the flu season typically bites.
Eligible adults are being urged to come forward for vaccination as soon as possible to help stamp out the first wave of flu, which is hitting the NHS more than a month earlier than normal, with national cases three times higher than at this time last year.
It follows the biggest flu season in history in Australia – often an accurate predictor of what lines around the corner for people in England as the virus starts to circulate.
Last winter in England, flu caused around 8,000 deaths. However, vaccines made a huge difference, preventing up to 120,000 hospital admissions nationwide.
Among over 65s, having a flu vaccine reduced the chance of hospitalisation last winter by more than 40%.
Dr Muhammad Naqvi, a local GP and clinical lead for vaccinations at NHS North East London, said:
“The Big Week is about making it easy for everyone to get protected.
“Flu can hit hard, especially for vulnerable groups. Vaccination is quick, safe, and could save your life.
“By getting vaccinated you can protect yourself, your family, and your community.”
Across north east London, GP practices, pharmacies, hospitals, and community hubs will be running extra vaccination clinics and outreach events during the Big Week. If you’re eligible – whether you’re over 65, pregnant, have a long-term condition, or care for someone vulnerable – now is the time to get your flu jab.
All eligible adults can book an appointment to get their flu vaccine now via at their local pharmacy via the NHS App, GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu, calling 119 or simply by walking into a local pharmacy. Walk-in vaccinations are available across Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.
Children aged 2-3 can get a vaccine from a pharmacy or GP. Children from reception to year 11 can also get a free vaccination at school, catch up at a local event or, if they are clinically vulnerable, at their GP surgery. For more information on all winter vaccinations, visit www.nhs.uk/vaccinations.
