Urgent appeal from NHS Lincolnshire for people to get flu jab as cases rise
The NHS in Lincolnshire is urgently appealing to residents to come forward for their flu jab.
This winter has been made even more challenging by an earlier than usual flu season and more people in hospital with flu at this time of the year than ever before. Which is why getting a flu vaccination is being seen as even more urgent than usual by local health officials.
“The latest data we have shows that regionally flu cases have risen to 859 (week 50), which compares with 653 the previous week and 424 the week before that. Similarly, regional flu admissions (to hospital) have risen to 7.1 per 100,000 population, compared with 4.8 per 100,000 last week,” explains Steve Clapton, Head of Immunisation & Screening, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
“Whilst these figures are still below the national rate (10 per 100,000), hopefully they go some way to explaining why we really want anyone who’s eligible, but yet to have their flu jab, to come forward as soon as possible.”
In Lincolnshire there has been a significant response from people aged 65 and over, 75 per cent of whom have already had their flu vaccination, but the NHS is concerned that other groups, especially young children and those over 85 years old, come forward too.
“Nationally the admission rate to hospital is highest in the over 85s at 57.2 per 100,000 population. Alongside this we know that significant numbers of school-aged children have been off ill this term, so we’re particularly keen to ensure these groups get vaccinated, bearing in mind the flu vaccine usually takes two weeks to become fully effective,” adds Steve.
The children’s flu vaccination, which is a nasal spray, is offered to children aged two to three years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11), and children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions.
Parents/guardians of children aged two or three years (on 31 August 2025) can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment, book a free vaccination at a pharmacy online or via the NHS App or find a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccinations where their child can get vaccinated without an appointment.
School-aged children (reception to year 11) get their flu vaccine, a nasal spray, at school and parents/guardians should get an invitation for this from their child’s school or the School Age Immunisation Service.
Children aged four years old who have not started school can get a flu vaccination at a community clinic if they turned four years of age on or before 31 August 2025, or at their GP surgery or a pharmacy offering flu vaccinations if they turned four years of age after 31 August 2025.
“We don’t think that flu cases have peaked yet, so the next few weeks could be very challenging across the country. This is why the NHS nationally and in Lincolnshire is keener than ever for unvaccinated people to urgently get a flu jab, so that you protect yourself in time for the New Year,” concluded Mr Clapton.