Doctors in Somerset are urging people aged 65 and over to get their flu vaccination now to protect against illness over Christmas and New Year as flu hospitalisations across the South West surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week.
Parents of children and young people are also being encouraged to approve school consent forms for vaccinations, or take their children to catch-up clinics if they missed out at school, to make sure they get protected.
Nationally, flu cases are already significantly higher than this time last year and recent data shows the number of people in the South West in hospital with flu has gone up from an average of 79 a day in the week to 30 November to 139 a day in the week to 7 December.
In Somerset, cases continue to rise week on week with numbers higher than this time last year.
The good news is, more than 61% of eligible people in Somerset have received their flu vaccination this winter so far – but the remaining 39% are being strongly encouraged to get theirs.
Dr Rob Weaver, GP and Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Somerset, the local headquarters for the NHS, said: “People in Somerset have been great at coming forward so far – they recognise that vaccination remains the best defence against what can be a really nasty illness.
“Flu can be dangerous and even life‑threatening for older people and those with certain health conditions. Even if you feel fit and well, getting vaccinated will help protect you and those around you. If you are eligible – and especially if you are 65 or over – there is still time to book your flu jab through your GP, pharmacy, or at a walk‑in clinic near you.”
Last winter (September 2024 – March 2025), 1,780 people were hospitalised in Somerset as a result of having flu, Covid and RSV.
Jo Poole, interim deputy chief nursing officer and director of infection prevention and control at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said: “As with the rest of the country, we’re seeing a higher number of flu cases than is normal for this time of year. While we aren’t yet seeing the peak of flu cases in our hospitals in Somerset, this is already having an impact on our services, with more people attending our emergency departments and our Urgent Treatment Centres and Minor Injuries Unit with flu symptoms and respiratory illnesses such as RSV.
“You can help us by getting your flu jab if you are eligible to do so, and by preventing the spread of any winter bugs by washing your hands regularly. To help protect our patients, visitors and staff, if you are showing symptoms of winter viruses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, flu, COVID or RSV, please stay at home, unless you need urgent care. If you do need to come to one of our hospitals, please wear a mask.
“We are also asking visitors to high-risk areas such as our respiratory wards, oncology units, and paediatric units to wear a mask when on the ward, to help keep these very vulnerable patients safe.”
Older adults remain at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell and are more likely to require hospital care than younger age groups. Carers – both paid and unpaid – are also being urged to come forward for vaccination, as protecting yourself helps protect the people you support.
If you are not vaccinated there is a higher risk of
- Catching and spreading flu, potentially to vulnerable people (for example pneumonia or heart attack).
- Needing hospital treatment from flu or complications
- Severe illness, especially if you’re older or if have a long-term condition
- Indirect consequences – such as having to take time off work or school and an increased strain on health services.
The flu vaccine is quick, free for those who are eligible, and has a strong safety record built over many years.
Across the NHS, vaccinations are available from GP practices, pharmacies, hospitals, schools and a range of pop-up clinics and vaccine centres for those eligible. Walk-in clinics are available across Somerset with no appointment needed. For more details on vaccinations in Somerset, visit: https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/vaccinations/
