Urgent call for flu jabs after rise in cases

NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board has issued a call for people to get the flu jab

An urgent call for people to have a flu jab has been issued in Lincolnshire following a rise in cases.

The NHS said it saw a "significant increase" last week in line with the national picture, with the highest rates being in those aged between five and 14.

Steve Clapton, head of immunisation and screening at NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board, said the UK could be in for a "particularly difficult flu season" and urged people to get vaccinated before the worst of winter hits.

The NHS said GP practices and community pharmacies in the county had given more than 225,000 vaccinations since the start of October, but there were still people eligible who had not yet come forward to have the jab.

Mr Clapton said: "We are strongly encouraging anyone eligible to make arrangements to have their flu vaccination as soon as possible, in order to get on top of the early wave of flu that is now hitting the NHS more than a month earlier than usual.

"We are especially keen to see children and older people, as well as people with certain long-term conditions."

He said the rate of hospitalisations due to flu had more than doubled since last year, with those aged 85 and over affected the most.

Flu symptoms

According to the NHS, the symptoms of flu include a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy.

Anyone experiencing these should limit contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

More information is available on the NHS website.

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