Flu is surging early this year so the NHS has established pop-up clinics at venues such as fire stations and bowling alleys as well as pharmacies this half-term
England’s most senior nurse has warned parents that flu can spread “like wildfire” in schools and has urged them to get children vaccinated before going back after half-term.
NHS England said many schoolchildren will already have received flu vaccines at school, but there are still options for those who have missed out. Pop-up clinics are being set up in places such as fire stations, bowling alleys, football pitches and libraries and parents can find out where those eligible can get jabbed in a few simple clicks.
It comes after the UK Health Security Agency warned of an early flu season and urged people to protect themselves.
READ MORE: Flu warning as worrying new data shows UK braced for worst season in years
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, said: “It is hugely concerning that flu has hit us early this year, with a worrying increase among children. Flu can spread like wildfire across schools and can make children really unwell.
“The virus changes each year, so vaccination remains the best way to shield your child from getting seriously ill. That’s why we’re making it easier than ever before for children to get the vaccine close to home or at school.
“So I’m urging parents to check their child’s options for flu vaccination as soon as possible; make sure you’ve opted your child in for their in-school vaccine or find your nearest community clinic over half-term.”
In the Midlands there are at least six fire station clinics across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent over the next few weeks, including one in Longton on Saturday. A flu van is also visiting a fire station in Lancashire and south Cumbria during half-term.
GP surgeries can give flu vaccines to school-aged children with certain health conditions and two and three-year-olds. Parents can also take pre-school children to pharmacies for vaccines, NHS England said. Click HERE then enter your postcode to find one nearest you.
Click HERE to book a free NHS flu vaccination at a local pharmacy or pop-up clinic . You can also use this NHS web page to check if you need an appointment, change your appointment or cancel your appointment.
It comes after the UKHSA announced yesterday flu positivity has increased by 6.1% and the number of people hospitalised with the virus has also risen. Hospitalisation rates rose from 1.29 to 1.73 per 100,000 people in the same week. While the number of cases is most notable in schoolchildren, epidemiologists have warned they could easily spread to other, more vulnerable sections of the population.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Vaccination is the best defence – I’ve just had the flu vaccination myself because I know what a difference it can make. With rates rising, I would urge all parents who have not done so yet to use half-term to get their child vaccinated against flu.
“Please make use of the dedicated teams offering catch-up sessions close to home to protect yourself, your family and our NHS as we enter winter. The vaccination is free and remains the best way to protect your children from getting seriously ill.”