Only a Third of Toddlers Vaccinated as NHS Issues Flu Jab Warning
In England, just over one-third of eligible two- and three-year-olds have been vaccinated against flu so far this season, according to NHS England (NHSE) data.
Vaccination Coverage and Efforts
The latest figures reveal that 2.3 million flu vaccines have been given to eligible children, with only 400,000 vaccines administered to the two- and three-year-old age group, representing 33.4% coverage.
NHSE has expanded access by offering the vaccine at nearly 4,000 local pharmacies in a one-season trial, as well as in supermarkets and on high streets, aiming to make vaccination more convenient for families.
Parental Reminders and Flu Season Outlook
- Parents are urged to submit vaccination consent forms to schools or book flu jab appointments for toddlers to protect them before the Christmas holidays.
- The UK Health Security Agency reports that this flu season has started unusually early.
- NHSE warns this could lead to a long and challenging winter for health services, with flu cases three times higher than the same period last year.
"The early start to flu season may mean a ‘long and drawn-out winter’ for the health service, with cases three times higher than this time last year."
Author’s summary: Vaccine uptake among toddlers remains low despite expanded access, raising concerns about a potentially severe flu season that could strain health services this winter.