Health and Me

Itisha Arya

As UK Faces A ‘Tidal Wave’ Of Flu, Here’s Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine

FLU CASES UK VACCINE

At-risk groups are being encouraged to get their flu jabs as concern grows over rising flu cases across the UK. The <span>NHS</span> has warned of a possible “tidal wave” of infections after flu activity began earlier than usual this season, with some schools already forced to shut because of outbreaks.

A post shared this week by the <span>UK Health Security Agency</span> (UKHSA) on X urged people to take vaccination seriously. It said: “Help protect yourself with a flu vaccine, it’s just like protective armour for those with long-term health conditions like #kidney disease. Stay strong. Get vaccinated.”

Health officials have described the newly emerging H3N2 flu strain as particularly “unpleasant” and warned that the NHS may be heading toward a heavy surge in cases in the run-up to Christmas.

Flu-related hospital admissions have already risen by 56 per cent compared with the same period last year, and specialists say the worst of the season may still lie ahead. In response, health leaders have advised people to wear a face covering in public if they are feeling unwell and have urged everyone who qualifies for a flu jab to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

<h2>How Can Flu Vaccine Protect From the Flu?</h2>

Flu vaccines are meant to protect against influenza, which can be dangerous and even fatal for some groups. Every autumn or early winter, the NHS rolls out the flu jab programme for people who are more likely to develop serious complications from the virus.

<h2>Eligibility For Flu Vaccine In UK</h2>

According to official UKHSA guidance, six main groups became eligible for the flu vaccine from September 1 this year, while another six groups were added from October 1.

<ul><li>Pregnant women</li><li>All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025</li><li>Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to under 18 years)</li><li>Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)</li><li>Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)</li><li>All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years</li></ul>

<strong>And from October 1, 2025, this included:</strong>

<ul><li>Everyone aged 65 years old and over</li><li>Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions</li></ul>

Health and social care workers may also be offered the flu jab through their workplace. The NHS says it is generally safe to have the flu vaccine at the same time as other jabs, including COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.

The RSV vaccine is usually given separately, but NHS guidance notes that a doctor may decide to give both vaccines together in certain situations.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Super Flu</span> Cases In UK</h2>

Amid the recent rise in flu cases, a Downing Street spokesperson also reiterated guidance this week, saying: “There is long-standing guidance in place for people on a range of measures they can consider taking to help limit the spread of winter bugs if they have flu-like symptoms.

“This is neither new nor an instruction but simply something people can consider when trying to limit the spread of winter respiratory illnesses.”

Citing a previous Mirror report, they added: “It’s been a long-standing position. The best defence against flu is the vaccine, which is why we’re ramping up our vaccination efforts this winter with almost 17 million flu jabs already delivered, which is 350,000 more than this time last year.”

The NHS App can be used to check whether you are eligible for a flu jab. Vaccinations are available through GP surgeries, selected pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes.

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At-risk groups are being encouraged to get their flu jabs as concern grows over rising flu cases across the UK. The NHS has warned of a possible “tidal wave” of infections after flu activity began earlier than usual this season, with some schools already forced to shut because of outbreaks.A post shared this week by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) on X urged people to take vaccination seriously. It said: “Help protect yourself with a flu vaccine, it’s just like protective armour for those with long-term health conditions like #kidney disease. Stay strong. Get vaccinated.”What Is The H3N2 Flu Strain?Health officials have described the newly emerging H3N2 flu strain as particularly “unpleasant” and warned that the NHS may be heading toward a heavy surge in cases in the run-up to Christmas.Flu-related hospital admissions have already risen by 56 per cent compared with the same period last year, and specialists say the worst of the season may still lie ahead. In response, health leaders have advised people to wear a face covering in public if they are feeling unwell and have urged everyone who qualifies for a flu jab to get vaccinated as soon as possible.How Can Flu Vaccine Protect From the Flu?Flu vaccines are meant to protect against influenza, which can be dangerous and even fatal for some groups. Every autumn or early winter, the NHS rolls out the flu jab programme for people who are more likely to develop serious complications from the virus.Eligibility For Flu Vaccine In UKAccording to official UKHSA guidance, six main groups became eligible for the flu vaccine from September 1 this year, while another six groups were added from October 1.From September 1, this included:Pregnant womenAll children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to under 18 years)Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 yearsAnd from October 1, 2025, this included:Everyone aged 65 years old and overAnyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditionsHealth and social care workers may also be offered the flu jab through their workplace. The NHS says it is generally safe to have the flu vaccine at the same time as other jabs, including COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.The RSV vaccine is usually given separately, but NHS guidance notes that a doctor may decide to give both vaccines together in certain situations.Super Flu Cases In UKAmid the recent rise in flu cases, a Downing Street spokesperson also reiterated guidance this week, saying: “There is long-standing guidance in place for people on a range of measures they can consider taking to help limit the spread of winter bugs if they have flu-like symptoms.“This is neither new nor an instruction but simply something people can consider when trying to limit the spread of winter respiratory illnesses.”Citing a previous Mirror report, they added: “It’s been a long-standing position. The best defence against flu is the vaccine, which is why we’re ramping up our vaccination efforts this winter with almost 17 million flu jabs already delivered, which is 350,000 more than this time last year.”The NHS App can be used to check whether you are eligible for a flu jab. Vaccinations are available through GP surgeries, selected pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes.