Current data suggests that flu cases among younger adults and school-age children are driving an earlier peak in flu cases
The peak of flu usually spells crisis for hospitals as hundreds get so ill they need treatment on wards(Image: PA)
The NHS is warning of a ‘worrying’ sign of ‘early cases of people in hospital with flu and Covid-19, particularly among children’.
The health service says the latest data points to an early flu peak – a time which usually spells crisis for hospitals as hundreds in Greater Manchester get so ill they need treatment on wards.
NHS England in the North West and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are warning all eligible people, especially children and young adults, to come forward for winter vaccinations as the latest data suggests flu and Covid-19 is increasing early this year with hospitalisations starting to rise.
Current data suggests that the number of flu cases among younger adults and school-age children are driving an earlier peak, as well as increased presentations to general practice and A&Es.
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With half term coming up and people expected to socialise more, the NHS is also urging parents and carers to ensure they have signed and returned their child’s vaccine consent forms to their school, or to find their nearest catch-up community clinic this half-term if they have missed their school session, in a bid to prevent the virus spreading.
Since the start of the jab programme on October 1, vaccination rates across the country have been lower than expected. Health bosses are encouraging eligible people to come forward and get this important protection sooner rather than later.
Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, said: “It’s worrying that we are seeing early cases of people in hospital with flu and Covid-19, particularly among children.
“We know vaccinations are the best form of protection and can help significantly reduce hospitalisations in our most vulnerable, so I would encourage people to come forward as soon as they can for these important jabs.”
The NHS says more than one million vaccines have been delivered in the north west since the autumn/winter campaign kicked off – including over 100,000 school-aged children and more than 30,000 eligible toddlers – to provide them with vital protection and minimise the spread to older adults and the wider population.
The health service says the latest data points to an early flu peak (Image: Getty Images)
Across the region there is a wide range of options available for people to access vaccinations, with local teams hosting sessions close to home.
The NHS says that, across Greater Manchester, catch up clinics for school aged children are happening at family hubs, leisure centres and sure start centres.
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UK Health Security Agency North West, said: “We strongly encourage all those who qualify for vaccination to come forward immediately to secure the best possible protection.
“The vaccine is the strongest defence we have against what can be a serious illness. Taking up the offer of vaccination could be the key to preventing serious illness and avoiding hospital admission.
“Individuals displaying symptoms of flu or Covid-19 – such as fever, persistent cough, fatigue or body aches – should limit their contact with others, especially those at higher risk.”