The NHS is bracing for an “unprecedented” flu surge this winter, with hospital admissions 56% higher than last year and health officials warning the worst is yet to come. Putney residents, particularly the elderly, young children, and those with health conditions, are being urged to get vaccinated now, with just two weeks needed for immunity before the expected Christmas peak.
Hospital beds filled with flu patients have reached record levels for this time of year, according to NHS England’s first winter situation report. More than 1,700 people are hospitalised with flu each day: over half again as many as this point last year, and more than seven times the number seen in 2023. Critical care units are treating nearly twice as many severe cases as they were 12 months ago.
“The health service is bracing for an unprecedented flu wave this winter,” said Professor Julian Redhead, NHS national medical director for urgent and emergency care. NHS chief executive Sir Jim Mackey warned that hospital admissions could triple or quadruple by next week, potentially reaching 5,000 to 8,000 occupied beds.
Vulnerable groups most at risk
UK Health Security Agency data shows hospital admission rates jumped to 7.8 per 100,000 people last week, nearly double the rate at this point last year. The highest rates are among people aged 85 and over (40.0 per 100,000), those aged 75-84 (21.4), and children aged four and under (21.2).
This year’s flu season started earlier than usual and has not yet peaked, meaning pressure on hospitals is likely to intensify through Christmas and into the New Year. The dominant H3N2 strain is believed to be more infectious than last year’s variant, according to Professor Nicola Lewis at the World Influenza Centre.
“Nobody wants anyone in their family, especially young children, to spend Christmas in hospital,” said Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist. “The best defence against this is a vaccine, but time is running out as it can take up to two weeks from vaccination for your body to build maximum protection.”
Where to get vaccinated in Putney and Roehampton
Flu vaccinations are widely available across Putney and Roehampton at pharmacies and GP practices. Local providers include pharmacies on Putney High Street and Upper Richmond Road, among many others throughout SW15.
To find your nearest vaccination site with current availability and booking information, use the NHS flu vaccination finder: nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/flu-influenza-vaccine
Most locations offer both NHS appointments for eligible residents and private vaccinations for others. Many accept walk-ins, though calling ahead is recommended during peak times.
Who qualifies for free NHS vaccination
Free flu jabs are available for:
- Everyone aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People under 65 with long-term health conditions (including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory conditions)
- Care home residents
- Carers
- Close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Children aged 2-17
Nearly 17 million vaccines have been administered in England so far this season, but health officials are urging those who haven’t yet come forward to do so immediately. With the flu season yet to peak and Christmas gatherings likely to accelerate transmission, getting vaccinated now provides the best protection for the weeks ahead.
