NHS London urges early flu jabs as A&E demand remains high
Health leaders in London are urging residents to get their flu jabs without delay as emergency services face mounting pressure following a busy summer.
Health leaders across London are urging residents to secure their flu vaccinations immediately rather than waiting for colder weather, as new figures reveal that emergency department demand remains exceptionally high. Following a summer that included temperatures reaching 40°C and record-breaking pressure on services, September brought no respite for healthcare teams across the capital.
Data from NHS England shows that London services handled nearly 433,000 A&E attendances during September. This figure represents an increase of almost 24,500 visits compared to August, equating to an average daily rise of over 1,200 attendances. In addition, ambulance services responded to 129,900 incidents during the month, which is an increase of roughly 730 on the previous month.
Launch of the Vaccination Campaign
Karen Bonner, Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, officially launched the capital's vaccination season by receiving a walk-in jab at the Crystal Child Development Centre in Croydon. More than 418,000 residents have already come forward for their vaccinations as health teams brace for winter pressures.
Medical directors note that flu viruses change annually, meaning that previous vaccinations will not provide coverage for the coming months. Because the vaccine takes roughly 14 days to become fully effective, health authorities stress the importance of early action before seasonal illnesses peak.
Eligibility and Access
The vaccination programme targets several groups considered at higher risk from the virus. School-aged children receive the nasal spray vaccine at school, while parents of children aged two and three, or those in clinical risk groups, are advised to book through their GP surgery.
Pregnant women can obtain the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy by contacting their maternity team, a local GP, or a participating pharmacy. The NHS also recommends the jab for older residents and anyone living with immunosuppression.
Residents can check their personal eligibility and locate nearby pharmacies offering walk-in appointments by using the online NHS walk-in finder.
Source: NHS England – London
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