NHS Issues Urgent Warning as 'Worrying' Rise in Child Flu and COVID Cases Signals Early Winter Crisis
Greater Manchester – Health bosses have issued an urgent warning after seeing a 'worrying' increase in early hospital cases of flu and COVID-19, with children being particularly affected.
The NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are sounding the alarm as the latest data points to a potential early flu peak this year. Such a peak typically spells crisis for hospitals, with hundreds across regions like Greater Manchester becoming so ill they require treatment on wards.
In a joint statement, NHS England in the North West and the UKHSA are urging all eligible people, especially children and young adults, to come forward for their winter vaccinations. Current data shows that a rise in flu cases among school-age children and younger adults is driving the early surge, leading to increased pressure on GP practices and A&E departments.
With the half-term break approaching and people expected to socialise more, health officials are making a direct plea to parents and carers. They are being asked to sign and return their child’s vaccine consent forms to schools immediately. For those who may have missed their school session, catch-up community clinics will be available throughout the half-term.
The warning comes as vaccination rates since the programme launched on October 1st have been lower than expected, prompting concern among health leaders.
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Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, described the situation as concerning.
“It’s worrying that we are seeing early cases of people in hospital with flu and Covid-19, particularly among children", she said. "We know vaccinations are the best form of protection and can help significantly reduce hospitalisations in our most vulnerable, so I would encourage people to come forward as soon as they can for these important jabs”.
Since the autumn/winter campaign kicked off, more than one million vaccines have been delivered in the North West. This includes vital protection for over 100,000 school-aged children and more than 30,000 eligible toddlers, which helps minimise spread to older adults and the wider population.
Across Greater Manchester, catch-up clinics for school-aged children are being held in accessible locations such as family hubs, leisure centres, and Sure Start centres.
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA North West, reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated without delay.
"We strongly encourage all those who qualify for vaccination to come forward immediately to secure the best possible protection", said Dr Kliner. "The vaccine is the strongest defence we have against what can be a serious illness. Taking up the offer of vaccination could be the key to preventing serious illness and avoiding hospital admission".
She also advised that, "individuals displaying symptoms of flu or Covid-19 - such as fever, persistent cough, fatigue or body aches - should limit their contact with others, especially those at higher risk".
The NHS and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are sounding the alarm as the latest data points to a potential early flu peak this year. Such a peak typically spells crisis for hospitals, with hundreds across regions like Greater Manchester becoming so ill they require treatment on wards.
In a joint statement, NHS England in the North West and the UKHSA are urging all eligible people, especially children and young adults, to come forward for their winter vaccinations. Current data shows that a rise in flu cases among school-age children and younger adults is driving the early surge, leading to increased pressure on GP practices and A&E departments.
With the half-term break approaching and people expected to socialise more, health officials are making a direct plea to parents and carers. They are being asked to sign and return their child’s vaccine consent forms to schools immediately. For those who may have missed their school session, catch-up community clinics will be available throughout the half-term.
The warning comes as vaccination rates since the programme launched on October 1st have been lower than expected, prompting concern among health leaders.
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Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, Regional Director of Commissioning for NHS England in the North West, described the situation as concerning.
“It’s worrying that we are seeing early cases of people in hospital with flu and Covid-19, particularly among children", she said. "We know vaccinations are the best form of protection and can help significantly reduce hospitalisations in our most vulnerable, so I would encourage people to come forward as soon as they can for these important jabs”.
Since the autumn/winter campaign kicked off, more than one million vaccines have been delivered in the North West. This includes vital protection for over 100,000 school-aged children and more than 30,000 eligible toddlers, which helps minimise spread to older adults and the wider population.
Across Greater Manchester, catch-up clinics for school-aged children are being held in accessible locations such as family hubs, leisure centres, and Sure Start centres.
Dr Merav Kliner, Regional Deputy Director for UKHSA North West, reiterated the importance of getting vaccinated without delay.
"We strongly encourage all those who qualify for vaccination to come forward immediately to secure the best possible protection", said Dr Kliner. "The vaccine is the strongest defence we have against what can be a serious illness. Taking up the offer of vaccination could be the key to preventing serious illness and avoiding hospital admission".
She also advised that, "individuals displaying symptoms of flu or Covid-19 - such as fever, persistent cough, fatigue or body aches - should limit their contact with others, especially those at higher risk".
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