Millions told to book flu jab online to ease pressure on the NHS this winter

Millions of people will be encouraged to book flu vaccines online from Monday in a bid to ease pressure on the NHS this winter.

NHS bosses brought forward the vaccination programme following the emergence of the new Covid variant last month.

Figures show that 3.7million people have received their flu jabs since the start of the campaign on September 11, with many choosing to ‘do the double’ and receive flu and Covid vaccines at the same time.

During the same period, 2.4million Covid jabs have been delivered. Last winter saw NHS staff treating significant numbers of patients in hospital with respiratory illnesses. 

The NHS will urge millions of people to book a flu jab online from Monday to ease the pressure on the health service over the winter

Around 30 million are eligible for a flu vaccine this year, including those aged 65 and over, people in clinical risk groups, and pregnant women

And bosses are concerned hospitals may be left struggling this winter amid the pressure on the service from ongoing industrial action.

Among the 30 million eligible for a flu vaccine this year are people aged 65 and over; those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups; pregnant women; all children aged 2 or 3 years; school-aged children; those in long-stay residential care homes; carers and close contacts of immunocompromised individuals. 

Those eligible can book via the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119 from 8am.