UK Flu Season Starts Early, Health Officials Urge Vaccination

The UK’s winter flu season has begun five weeks earlier than usual, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which warned that cases are rising rapidly among children and young adults. Officials expect the virus to spread to older age groups soon and are urging everyone eligible to get vaccinated promptly.

Experts are concerned that flu infections could peak before most vulnerable groups are immunised, as the vaccination campaign only recently began. The UK has seen two of the worst flu seasons in the past decade since Covid restrictions were lifted, with nearly 8,000 deaths last year and 16,000 during 2022–23.

Those aged 65 and above, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions can access free flu jabs on the NHS. Health officials also emphasised vaccinating school-aged children and preschoolers to protect families.

Covid cases, meanwhile, are currently at baseline levels, UKHSA added.

03-11-2025