The NHS is launching a major push to vaccinate vulnerable children next week, issuing thousands of reminders to parents as a sharp resurgence of winter viruses grips the country.
Hospital Admissions Climb Amid Cold Snap
New data reveals a worrying 9% week-on-week increase in patients hospitalised with flu, bringing the total to 2,924 people. This follows two weeks of declining numbers, with health officials suggesting festive gatherings and the recent severe cold spell are contributing factors.
The strain on hospitals is intensifying across multiple fronts. The average daily number of patients with Norovirus and Covid also rose compared to the previous week. Overall, hospital bed occupancy increased by 5%, standing at just under 92%.
Ambulance services faced immense pressure, with over 101,177 handovers last week—more than 5,100 higher than the same week last year. Despite this, the average handover time of 37 minutes and 44 seconds was over 16 minutes faster than the same period in the previous year.
NHS Leaders Issue Stark Winter Warning
NHS national medical director, Professor Meghana Pandit, delivered a sobering assessment. "It's clear that the worst is far from over for the NHS this winter," she stated, highlighting the dual impact of respiratory viruses and icy weather leading to more falls and injuries.
She praised staff for working "incredibly hard" to maintain care but stressed the ongoing importance of vaccination. So far this season, the NHS has administered over 18.6 million flu vaccines, an increase of more than half a million compared to last year, with thousands of appointments still available.
Urgent Call for Eligible Families to Act
In response to the rising threat, the NHS will directly contact parents of children with certain underlying health conditions next week, urging them to get a flu jab at their local GP practice.
Echoing the call to action, Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said, "Today's data shows we are not out of the woods yet." He acknowledged the NHS was performing more strongly than last year but emphasised that the cold snap is piling fresh pressure on services.
"Flu can be serious, particularly for older people, young children and those with underlying conditions, and vaccination remains the best protection," Mr Streeting urged. "I urge everyone who is eligible to get their flu jab as soon as possible."
Health leaders conclude that getting vaccinated remains the most effective way to protect oneself, reduce hospital admissions, and support the NHS during its most challenging season.
