The NHS is urging people to get vaccinated against flu to ensure families are protected in time for Christmas

The NHS is urging people to get their flu vaccine without delay so they and their families are protected in time for Christmas.

It normally takes about two weeks after a flu jab to develop maximum protection, meaning those who want to be protected for Christmas Day gatherings next Wednesday should have their jab.

The NHS is busier than ever as it heads into winter with a surge of flu and norovirus heralding the start of a ‘quad-demic’, health leaders have warned.

The number of people in hospital with flu has more than quadrupled compared to last year, with Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) also circulating.

Hospitals in England are experiencing record levels of flu for this time of year, with a 350 percent increase in hospital flu cases compared to the same week last year.

New figures from the NHS in England show that an average of 1,099 flu patients were in hospital beds every day last week, with 39 of them in intensive care.

This is up sharply from comparable figures for the same week in 2023, when the total was 243, nine of which were in intensive care.

Initially, there were concerns about a ‘triplemic’ of flu, RSV and Covid-19, putting additional pressure on the healthcare system.

But following an 86 per cent rise in the number of norovirus cases in hospitals compared to the same week last year, the NHS’s top doctor has told the service to brace for a ‘quad-demic’.

Last week there were an average of 756 patients with norovirus in hospital beds every day, 1,390 patients with Covid and 142 children in hospital with RSV.

And the service is expected to become busier in the coming months.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, national medical director of NHS England, said: ‘Flu cases are soaring, so it’s now or never for older people and children to get jabbed and protected ahead of any family gathering they have over the festive period planned.

‘Every Christmas we see far too many older adults and children being hospitalized due to flu, and the best way to prevent this situation is to get a flu shot if you are eligible.

‘The flu vaccine is our best defense against winter viruses, and it also helps reduce the pressure on hospitals and hardworking NHS staff who will be working flat out over the Christmas holidays.

‘So I would urge everyone who is eligible to add booking their flu jab to their list of things to do in the run up to Christmas so they can protect themselves and their families in December.’

Flu season usually peaks in December and January and the vaccine provides essential protection to prevent people from developing serious illness and ending up in hospital during the busy winter months.

More than 27 million jabs for flu, Covid and RSV have already been carried out in England, but the NHS is urging more people to come forward so they can protect themselves and their families over Christmas.

However, it is never too late to get a jab, and people have until the end of December 19 to book Covid-19 and flu vaccination appointments via the NHS online booking system, the NHS app and the 119 telephone service.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency shows that flu cases are highest among people aged 5 to 14.

The vaccine is usually given to children as a quick and painless spray into the nose – without the need for an injection – unless the child cannot receive pork gelatin in medical products, in which case an injected flu vaccine is available as an alternative.

It is still possible to book your vaccinations after December 19 through local NHS vaccination services, such as pharmacies or walk-in locations.

However, there will be fewer Covid appointments and people may have to travel further.