'Last chance call' to get flu vaccinations

UNIVERSITY Hospitals Plymouth NHS

- By JANET KING

Trust has issued a 'last chance' call for people to get their flu jab to be protected ahead of the festive holidays, as flu hospitalisations in the region surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week.Latest data shows the number of people in the South West who are in hospital with flu has gone up from an average of 79 a day in the week ending 30 November, to 139 a day in the week ending 7 December.

And there is a 93% increase in the number of beds taken up by flu when compared to the same week last year (week to 7 December, 2024).

It shows that the NHS is facing its 'worst case scenario' December, with the flu surge leaving the NHS facing its busiest winter yet - and no peak in cases in sight.

Derriford Hospital's warning comes after Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: "There is a tidal wave of flu tearing through our hospitals," as he urged all those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccination as soon as possible.