Flu hit hospitals in England even harder last week, as a surge in infections led to a 70% increase in hospital cases over just seven days, according to new NHS figures.

The NHS is encouraging eligible people to get vaccinated without delay if they haven’t done so already to avoid “festive flu”. The warning comes as figures show an average of 1,861 patients with flu in hospital every day last week across England– up from 1,099 in the previous week and a staggering 3.5 times higher compared to the same time last year.

Further NHS England data shows that over 4.2 million flu and COVID-19 vaccinations have already been carried out across the North East and Yorkshire.

Hardworking health teams have also delivered a further 200,000 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to pregnant women (from 28 weeks) and older adults aged 75 to 79.

Still, the NHS is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families over the festive period and into the new year.

 NHS England North East and Yorkshire Regional Medical Director Dr Hamish McLure said:

“While the NHS has plans in place to manage additional demand over the busy winter period, with less than one week left to book your winter vaccine online – and under two weeks to Christmas, it’s the perfect time to build your protection ahead of the holidays.

“It’s really encouraging to see flu and COVID-19 jabs surge in the last day or so, following worrying figures published yesterday about a tidal wave of seasonal viruses affecting hospitals.

“We really are seeing more winter bugs in hospitals already – including cases within younger children. By getting your child vaccinated against flu, you’re not only helping protect them, but also reducing the chance of spreading the virus to loved ones this Christmas, particularly babies, elderly relatives and individuals with weakened immune systems.”

Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides vital protection to prevent people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

It is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray up the nose – without the need for an injection – unless your child cannot have porcine gelatine in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.

It is still possible to book your winter vaccinations after Thursday 19 December through local NHS vaccination services, like pharmacies or walk-in sites. However, there will be fewer COVID appointments, and you may need to travel further.

In line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, those currently eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from reception to year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from year 7 to year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants

All NHS frontline health workers have also been offered the COVID-19 and flu vaccines, and encouraged to protect themselves and those they care for.

Pregnant women are encouraged to book their RSV vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS.