UKHSA urges everyone to get their flu jab

The UK Health Security Agency is urging all those eligible to take up their flu vaccine by 10 December to ensure protection in time for Christmas.

The vaccine takes 14 days before it provides maximum protection, so people should get it before 10 December to help keep themselves and vulnerable relatives safe throughout the festive season.

Flu is a highly infectious disease and can lead to serious complications for those living with a long-term health condition, including respiratory and heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease or a chronic neurological disease like multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy. People with underlying health conditions overall are 11 times more likely to die if they catch flu compared to healthy adults.

In England, more than 35 million people are eligible for a free flu vaccine this winter.

While levels of flu infection are still low, typically levels ramp up over December, with a peak in January. The UKHSA is calling on people to take up the flu vaccine, along with practicing good hygiene, ventilating rooms, and staying at home if unwell.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Getting your winter vaccines – whether that is your flu jab if eligible or your booster jab -  is one of the most important things people can do for yourself and your family this winter. Record numbers of people took up the offer of a free flu vaccine last year and the programme is expanding even further this year, with a record 35 million people in England eligible. Don’t delay – book your flu vaccine as soon as possible.”

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The threat of flu has not gone away – it can cause serious illness and be fatal. Flu vaccination saves lives. If you are eligible, you don’t have to wait to be called up - book your flu vaccine as soon as possible to help protect yourself and family this Christmas.”