Cases of flu surge across North West
Health bosses are urging anyone who hasn't been vaccinated to book an appointment
There are fresh calls for people who aren't up to date with their COVID and flu jabs to get vaccinated after a rise in cases across the North West.
The latest data shows rates of hospitalisations for flu have risen by 81% in the last week across the region.
It's led to calls for those who aren't already vaccinated against the virus to book an appointment.
Parents of toddlers aged between two and three years old are also being urged to get their children booked in as soon as possible.
In the North West, the rate of hospitalisations for flu has increased by 81% within the past week with the highest rate across the country in those under five years old.
The latest flu vaccine uptake data shows that rates are comparable to those in 2021/22 for this point in the season.
However, health professionals are particularly concerned about low uptake in two to three-year-olds, the lowest figure in the North West at 7.5%, pregnant women at 12.1% and people with long-term health conditions at 24.5%, who are more vulnerable to serious illness from flu.
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Deputy Director UKHSA North West, said:
“As cases of flu are rising, we’re urging parents, in particular, not to be caught out as rates of flu are highest in 5-14-year-olds currently. This will be a concern for many parents and carers of young children, and we urge them to take up the offer of vaccination for eligible children as soon as possible, including those in the 2-3-year-old bracket.
“We are extremely fortunate to have vaccines, which remain our best protection against severe disease and hospitalisation this winter. Most groups eligible for flu vaccination have been selected because they are at higher risk of severe illness, including those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women- so please book your jab without delay. It will help protect yourself, your family and help reduce the burden on our health services.
“It’s also vital that we all remain cautious as we head into the festive period when people tend to mix more and the risk of flu increases. If you are feeling unwell, avoid contact with elderly people or those with underlying health conditions.”