NHS leaders in the North East and Yorkshire are urging eligible people to get their free NHS flu vaccine, as thousands of people across the country are still in hospital with flu, and hundreds in critical care, as levels circulating remain high.

With hospital admission rates for flu currently matching the highest rates in the years just before the Covid-19 pandemic (2019/20 and 2018/19), the NHS is reminding people it’s not too late to get their flu vaccine and get protected. Thousands of sites are offering the vaccine across the country and health leaders in this region are urging eligible people to come forward as soon as possible.

Dr Kev Smith, Regional Director of Public Health Commissioning at NHS North East and Yorkshire, urges anyone eligible who hasn’t yet taken up the offer to book their flu vaccination.

“The flu vaccine can protect young children from getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital,” Dr Smith (pictured) said. “For most children aged two to three, it is a quick and painless spray up the nose which is administered in a GP surgery. If the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them, they will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead.”

Underlining the importance of being vaccinated against flu, Dr Smith added: “We know that group A streptococcus infections can be more serious when combined with another infection like flu.”

Latest hospital admission figures for the North East and Yorkshire (8 January) show 1,053 patients being treated for flu, plus 42 patients in critical care beds. Hospitalisation rates are highest for older adults and young children.

Nationally, vaccine uptake in children aged two to three years is behind last year’s figures. Only around 40% of children aged two to three years (40.4% of two-year-olds, and 42.9% of three-year-olds) have received their flu jab so far this year – down 7% points on last year.

In this region, it is estimated vaccine uptake in children aged two to three is also behind last year’s level. Around 41% of two- to three-year-olds in the North East and Yorkshire have received their vaccine so far (39.4% of two-year-olds, 42.5% of three-year-olds), compared with around 48% this time last year (46.5% of two-year-olds, 49.4% of three-year-olds).

Pregnant women, especially those who may have missed out as they weren’t pregnant earlier in the flu season, are also encouraged to come forwards for the flu vaccine to protect themselves and their unborn baby.

With high flu levels and the recent return to school and work, there is potential for flu to spread. Getting the flu vaccine can protect against serious illness and ending up in hospital while helping prevent the spread of the virus.

People aged 50 and over, adults with a long-term health condition and pregnant women can make an appointment at their GP surgery or participating pharmacy. Parents and guardians of children aged two and three years and children in high-risk groups can make an appointment through their GP surgery. Secondary school-aged children are being vaccinated this month through schools and community clinics. If parents and guardians think their reception and primary school-aged children have missed their flu vaccination, they should contact their local school vaccination service or ask at their school if you are unsure.

Dr Mike Gent, UK Health Security Agency Yorkshire and Humber Deputy Director, said:

“The high flu rates among young children will be a concern for many parents and carers, and we urge them to take up the offer of vaccination for eligible children as soon as possible.

“We are extremely fortunate to have vaccines, which remain our best protection against severe disease and hospitalisation this winter. Most eligible groups have been selected because they are at higher risk of severe illness, including young children, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women, so please book your jab without delay. It will help protect yourself, your family and help reduce the burden on our health services.”

Find out more about the NHS Children’s flu vaccine.