Around half of eligible people in Sussex still unprotected as flu hospitalisations rise

It comes as NHS data shows flu-related hospital pressures are increasing across the county.

Latest vaccination data indicates that around 506,000 eligible people in Sussex have received their flu vaccination, representing 52% of the eligible population.

However, this means that almost half of those who are offered a free vaccination because they are at higher risk of serious illness or complications from flu remain unprotected.

Flu admissions across Sussex have increased in recent weeks, with dozens of people now receiving hospital care for flu-related illness. Health leaders warn that flu is circulating earlier and more widely this year, including the emergence of a new strain that is contributing to rising levels of illness.

NHS Sussex is encouraging those who are eligible for the free NHS vaccine to take up the offer as soon as possible to ensure strong protection ahead of the traditional winter peak. People eligible for the free vaccination are identified this way because they are more likely to experience serious complications from flu, including hospitalisation.

Flu vaccinations are available through GP practices, community pharmacies, school vaccination teams for eligible children, and through walk-in services listed on the NHS Sussex website. Appointments can be booked via the NHS App, the NHS website, 119, or by contacting a GP practice directly.

People who are not eligible for a free NHS vaccination but would still like protection can choose to pay for a flu vaccination at participating pharmacies. This may be particularly useful for those who want to protect more vulnerable family members over the festive period, when households are mixing more often.

Flu spreads easily, especially in the first few days of illness. Germs from coughs and sneezes can live on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.

To help reduce transmission, people are advised to wash hands regularly with warm water and soap, cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues quickly, and stay at home if they have a high temperature or feel too unwell to carry out normal activities.

With flu circulating more widely this winter and stronger strains contributing to increased infection and spread, it is especially important that pregnant women take up the offer of a free flu vaccination. Pregnancy changes how the body responds to infection, and evidence shows that flu can be more severe during pregnancy, increasing the risk of complications such as chest infections and pneumonia. Having the flu vaccine helps protect both the mother and the baby, reducing the risk of premature birth and low birthweight, and providing the baby with protection in the first months of life. The flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy and can be given up until labour, and it is also safe while breastfeeding.

Dr Amy Disanayake, Interim Chief Medical Officer for NHS Sussex, said: “Flu levels continue to rise, and we are already seeing the impact across local health services. Those who are eligible for the free flu vaccination are offered it because they are more vulnerable to serious complications from flu, and it is important that they come forward as soon as possible.

“Vaccination offers strong protection, and alongside simple steps like handwashing and staying home when unwell, it can make a significant difference in reducing the spread of flu and helping keep people well this winter.”