People in the North West are being urged to take up the flu vaccine as soon as possible as the latest data published by UKHSA shows lower than expected uptake in September. Yet our data shows that flu cases are continuing to increase which could lead to a difficult winter.

Following the publication of seasonal flu vaccine uptake data covering the period from 1 to 30 September 2022, health bosses said that the number of people getting the flu vaccine in most age groups (except over 65s) was lower than in September 2021.

Health professionals are particularly concerned about low uptake in two to three-year-olds, pregnant women and people with long term health conditions, who are more vulnerable to serious illness from flu.

With our national flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports showing a rise in flu rates and cases of COVID-19 circulating – which can both cause serious illness – a challenging winter is expected, with potential for an increase in hospitalisations.

Dr Merav Kliner, Interim Deputy Director, UKHSA North West, said: “Our latest data shows early signs of the anticipated threat we expected to face from flu this season. We’re urging parents, in particular, not to be caught out as rates of hospitalisations and ICU admissions are currently rising fastest in children under 5. This will be a concern for many parents and carers of young children, and we urge them to take up the offer of vaccination for eligible children as soon as possible.

“Vaccines remain our best protection against severe disease and hospitalisation this winter, so I urge those who are eligible for the free flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster to book their jabs without delay.

“It’s also vital that we all remain cautious as we head into winter when people tend to mix more indoors and the risk increases. If you are feeling unwell, avoid contact with elderly people or those with underlying health conditions.”

Julie Kelly, Interim Regional Director of Primary Care and Public Health Commissioning at NHS England – North West, said: “By comparing the latest data with the same period last year, we can see that flu vaccine uptake in most eligible groups was lower during September than the same period last year, which is extremely worrying.

“We have thankfully seen more people coming forward during October, but we know that people in some eligible groups, including pre-school children, have still not had their flu vaccine.

“As we prepare for a challenging winter with COVID-19 and flu infections, it is crucial everyone eligible is vaccinated to protect themselves and those around them from becoming seriously ill.”

In the North West, there are indications showing an increase in laboratory detections of flu for several age ranges, including young children and 15-44-year-olds, and an increase of hospital admissions being reported.

Around 33 million people are eligible for the flu vaccine and 26 million people are eligible for the COVID-19 booster. Getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself but others around you, especially the more vulnerable groups.

Find out more about the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster here.