Prime Highlights
- Health officials in Lincolnshire are urging residents to get their flu jab as cases rise sharply across the region.
- Vaccination is being emphasised to protect the most vulnerable and ease pressure on hospitals during the winter period.
Key Facts
- Flu cases in Lincolnshire rose to 859 last week, up from 653 the previous week, with hospital admissions particularly high among those over 85.
- Residents can book the flu vaccine through GP surgeries, participating pharmacies, or school programmes for children.
Background
Health officials in Lincolnshire have urged residents to get their flu jab before the new year as cases continue to rise across the region. The NHS has reported higher numbers of people in hospital with flu than at any other time of the year.
Latest figures show flu cases in Lincolnshire increased to 859 last week, up from 653 the week before. The sharp rise has raised concerns within the health system, with officials warning that pressure on hospitals could increase further in the coming weeks.
Steve Clapton, head of immunisation and screening at NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said the NHS is urging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible so they are protected in time for the new year. He said health teams are especially focused on protecting the most vulnerable groups.
The NHS is encouraging young children and people aged over 85 to take up the flu vaccine. National data show that hospital admission rates are highest among people in the over-85 age group. Officials have also noted high levels of illness among school-aged children this term, leading to increased absences from school.
Mr Clapton warned that the flu vaccine takes around two weeks to become fully effective. He added that flu cases have not yet peaked and that the coming weeks could be challenging for healthcare services across the country.
Residents can book a flu jab through their GP surgery or at participating pharmacies using online booking systems. School-aged children are also eligible to receive the flu vaccine at school. Parents are expected to receive invitations through their child’s school or via the School Age Immunisation Service.
Health officials continue to stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce severe illness and ease pressure on the NHS during the winter period.
