Flu jab open for bookings NOW as NHS starts winter prep earlier than ever

NHS chiefs are urging patients to get vaccinated for flu season earlier than usual after a record-breaking busy summer. Free jabs will be rolled out from September in a bid to avoid a winter crisis in hospitals. The flu vaccine is available free to people at highest risk of severe symptoms (stock image) Credit: Getty WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A FLU VACCINE? The NHS gives free flu vaccines to people who are most at risk of severe symptoms. They include: Pregnant women All nursery- and school-aged children Over-65s People aged 18 to 64 who are vulnerable due to ill health Care home residents Carers Frontline NHS staff and care workers People who live with someone with a very weak immune system People classed as homeless A&E departments in England had their busiest three-month period ever between May and July as doctors said: “There is no longer a quiet season.” In Scotland, the Royal College of Emergency Medicine said overcrowding in June was previously “unthinkable” and called the current situation unsustainable. Sign up for the Health newsletter Thank you! The NHS said it is now trying to get flu vaccinations going early to “do everything it can to ease winter demand”. Chief nursing officer, Duncan Burton, said: “The NHS is kicking off its preparations for winter earlier than ever. “The flu jab is one of our best defences against winter illness. “It takes just a few minutes, but it can protect you for months, helping to prevent serious illness, avoid hospital admissions and keep the most vulnerable people safe.” The NHS in England opened online bookings on Monday. Doctors in Scotland will invite eligible patients for their vaccines from next week. Most read in Health A Scottish Government spokesperson said it is “working closely with Public Health Scotland and NHS Health Boards to prepare for the winter season.” In Wales, jabs will start on September 1. In a letter to hospital chiefs, deputy chief medical officer Dr Keith Reid said: “The aim is to maximise vaccine uptake early in the programme to protect those most at risk from flu before infections peak in winter.” Flu season peaked early last year, causing a big surge in hospital cases in the autumn, with a spike that would not normally occur until winter. Dr Julie Yates, of the UK Health Security Agency, added: “The seasons will change quickly. “I’d urge everyone who is eligible to plan ahead and book their vaccinations as soon as possible.” Comment now