Health chiefs have urged parents to vaccinate their children against flu which has hit the UK earlier than usual this year.
Public Health England (PHE) medical director Professor Yvonne Doyle called on parents with children aged two and three to get them vaccinated “as soon as possible”.
More people over the age of have been vaccinated this year compared with 2018, but uptake among two and three-year-olds is lagging behind previous seasons with less than one third having had inoculations, data shows.
The number of patients booking doctor’s appointments with flu-like symptoms has also increased sharply by 65% in the last week.
NHS National medical director Stephen Powis urged the 25 million Britons eligible for the free vaccination to “get your jab now”.
Professor Powis said: “We know that children are ‘super spreaders’ of flu, particularly around the holiday season when they’re more likely to see elderly relatives.
“So our message is simple: the flu season is here, get your jab now.
“It might be the difference between a Christmas to remember, and one to forget.”
The NHS has prepared for its largest ever flu protection drive to help keep people well and ease pressure on urgent care services over the colder months.
Chief medical officer for England Chris Whitty said increasing numbers of people catching the infection puts pressure on hospital services, particularly as the disease worsens health conditions common among older people .
Professor Whitty said: “The winter flu season has started early in the UK and it is important that everyone who is eligible gets the flu jab from their GP or pharmacist.
“The vaccine is the best defense against flu whilst practicing sensible hygiene can reduce the spread of flu.
” For older people and those with underlying health conditions, getting flu is particularly bad news because It can lead to really serious conditions like pneumonia and bronchitis, which can mean a lengthy stay in hospita l. “
Medical professionals say jabs are the” best defense “against the highly infectious disease.
People aged over 65, young children, pregnant women and those who have essential medical conditions are particularly encouraged to book their flu jab, and get a nasal spray from a pharmacy.
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