Surrey residents eligible for a free flu jab encouraged to get it before the festive season begins

With Surrey residents preparing to gather and mingle over the festive period, there is still time to get a flu vaccine.

Nationally, the NHS is facing an early and significant flu wave, with England’s top emergency care doctor warning there is “no peak in sight yet.” Latest figures show an average of 1,717 patients in hospital beds across the UK each day in the last week of November because of flu, the highest on record for this point in the year. That’s over 50% higher than the same week last year.

Despite almost 17 million flu jabs already delivered nationally, cases continue to rise sharply, and the NHS is urging people in Surrey to get protected now, before the virus spreads further over Christmas and New Year.

Winter pressure is already building across the health service. During the week ending 30 November, NHS 111 took over 11,000 more calls more than the same week last year, and urgent care and ambulance teams remained extremely busy. Thanks to extensive preparation, ambulance handover times are improving but demand continues to grow.

This winter there are more ways than ever for Surrey residents to access care quickly. Nearly all GP practices offer online consultation, and pharmacies can provide fast advice and prescription-only medicines for common conditions such as sore throat, sinusitis and earache. More information on local pharmacies can be found here: Find a pharmacy – NHS

 Rachel Wigglesworth, Surrey County Council Interim Director of Public Health said:

“The strongest step you can take to protect yourself and others this winter is to get your flu vaccine now. It’s quick, it’s free for eligible groups, and getting it before the festive season helps reduce serious illness and pressure on local NHS services.”

For more information on staying safe and well this winter, visit Healthy Surrey.