Category: News
The NHS in the South West is urging people to come forward for their COVID-19 and flu vaccines before the winter offer comes to an end.
Festive celebrations may have led to an increase in flu and COVID-19 infections as figures published this week show that the number of patients in hospital beds with flu in the South West has risen by 36% and those with COVID-19 has risen by almost 7% on the previous week.
Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England South West said: “It’s clear from the data that flu is still prevalent in the South West, with hospitals experiencing a rise in patients being admitted with flu and other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19.
“It’s important that we don’t get complacent as we head into the new year. Vaccines remain our best defence against flu and COVID-19, so we are urging everyone who is eligible to come forward before the seasonal offer comes to an end.
“Remember, if you are over 75 years old, you may be able to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccination at the same appointment, so be sure to ask when booking.”
The COVID-19 autumn/winter vaccination offer will end on 31 January 2026, and flu vaccines will be available until 31 March 2026, however, there are still appointments available for people to get protected through local pharmacies and GP surgeries.
COVID-19 vaccinations are available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
Flu vaccinations are being offered to children and pregnant women, everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed and frontline health and social care staff.
RSV vaccinations are also available on the NHS to women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more, those aged 75 to 79, or and those who turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024.
Elizabeth Smout, Lead Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said: “Cases of flu and RSV among older age groups are staying stubbornly stable for now, with no signs of a drop in the number of older adults needing emergency care for respiratory illnesses. We know flu is unpredictable, and the end of flu season could be some months away.
“People aged 65 and over, and others at higher risk, can still get a flu vaccine, which reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Flu vaccination appointments are still available on the NHS national booking system, and anyone who hasn’t yet had their vaccine should take it up for the remaining winter to protect themselves – flu often circulates well into March. RSV vaccination remains open year-round for pregnant women and any older adults aged 75 to 80 who haven’t yet had a dose.
“People are returning to work and school after Christmas, and this gives respiratory viruses like flu more chances to spread. If you have symptoms, including a high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, you should try to minimise contact with others, especially those more vulnerable. Stay home where possible if you’re feeling unwell, and if you need to go out, consider wearing a face covering, particularly if visiting vulnerable people.”
The NHS National Booking Service on the NHS website is open for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services. To find out more about RSV vaccinations, pregnant women should speak with their maternity teams, and those who are aged 75 to 79 or turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024 should speak with their GPs.
To help prevent the spread of winter illnesses, please:
- Don’t visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Wear a mask when going to healthcare premises, including hospitals, if they ask you to do so.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you come down with a winter bug and do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Follow simple self-care tips from nhs.uk
- Get your flu vaccine from your GP practice, local pharmacy or vaccination centre. Some people are eligible for the free vaccine, including over-65s, people with long term conditions like stroke or heart disease and pregnant people. If you aren’t in one of these categories, your pharmacy may be able to offer you the jab on a private basis if they have enough supply; this usually costs around £16-£22.
High levels of seasonal illness, including flu, and vomiting and diarrhoea bugs, mean ambulances, hospitals, GP surgeries and other NHS services can come under severe pressure at this time of year.
People are being asked to help by continuing to choose the right service for their needs and by taking simple steps to help them and loved ones stay well.
Local services, including hospitals, have plans to help them manage high demand.
Sometimes when services are busy there can be delays. Staff will do all they can to minimise these, but please continue to treat both them and other patients with respect.
This is what you can do:
- Only call 999 when someone is seriously injured or ill and their life may be at risk. For example, if someone is unconscious, not breathing or is bleeding heavily.
- If an ambulance has been arranged for you, please only call back if the patient’s condition worsens or you wish to cancel the ambulance.
- Go to NHS 111 online if you need medical help or advice, or you are unsure about whether you should go to hospital; you can also phone 111.
- Please check online for information on minor injury units and urgent treatment centres, including opening times, what they offer and ‘live’ waiting times.
- Take simple steps during the cold weather to look after yourselves and loved ones, checking on vulnerable family members and neighbours. Wrap up warm, wear sensible footwear in icy conditions and make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked.
- Please pick up loved ones who are ready to be discharged from hospital, so other patients can be admitted. Contact the ward if you are able to support a friend or family member to come home.
- Make use of community pharmacies, which can advise on minor illnesses and provide medications. Details about local pharmacies be found here by typing in your postcode: ‘find a pharmacy’ map
- If you, or someone you know, experiences a mental health crisis, use the support available via 111.
- If you have an urgent dental condition, and aren’t on the books of a dentist, use NHS 111 to seek an appointment; more slots are being made available all the time.
- Attend any appointment unless you are contacted by the NHS to re-arrange.
To help prevent the spread of winter illnesses, please:
- Don’t visit loved ones in hospital if you have symptoms of a cough, cold, respiratory illness, diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Wear a mask when going to healthcare premises, including hospitals, if they ask you to do so.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, as this is the best way to stop it spreading. Alcohol hand gels do not kill norovirus.
- Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you come down with a winter bug and do not feel well enough to do your normal activities. Follow simple self-care tips from www.nhs.uk
People can find further information and advice about local services at www.onedevon.org.uk/our-work/services-and-support/health-pressures
As the temperatures drop, it’s important we all play our part to stay safe, look after each other and ease pressure on our NHS in the South West.
This is especially important for elderly residents across the South West, as well as people with pre-existing health conditions, who are being urged to take extra precautions as temperatures drop below freezing this week.
The NHS in the South West is warning that vulnerable groups face increased risks during very cold spells, following the yellow cold weather alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency from today until 9 January.
Heart attacks increase almost immediately after a cold snap, while hospitals also see a rise in the number of stroke patients around five days after the cold weather begins, then a peak in respiratory illness after a further week.
Dr Justin Varney-Bennett, Regional Director of Public Health for NHS England – South West, said: “With very cold weather forecast, it’s vital for people who have long-term conditions, and especially important for the elderly, to take extra care.
“Checking in on those who are more vulnerable in your life over the next few days could potentially save their life as well as lift their spirits on a dark day.”
Simple steps to stay safe:
- Keep your home heated to at least 18°C if you’re elderly or vulnerable
- Wear hats, gloves, and warm indoor footwear like slippers
- Stay active indoors with gentle movement to improve circulation
- Check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours
Dr Varney-Bennett added: “Moving each day improves blood circulation, helping to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attacks whilst warming your core, as well as helping to lessen the risk of trips and falls. No one wants to start the new year in hospital with something preventable.
“The cold also makes everything slippier and more hazardous. Take it steady whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike or on foot – getting there safely matters more than getting there quickly.”
Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, added: “Christmas is a wonderful time to come together with loved ones, and a little care for each other can help everyone enjoy the festivities safely. Cold weather can be harder on some people, particularly those over 65 or with existing health conditions, so why not use this season of goodwill to check in on elderly neighbours, family members or friends who might appreciate a visit, a phone call, or a helping hand.
“Simple gestures like making sure their home is warm enough, helping with shopping, or just spending some time together can make a real difference.”
You can help prevent winter bugs spreading by staying at home if you’re unwell or sick, keeping on top of hand washing with soap and water regularly, using tissues to catch and bin running noses and sneezes. Make sure you also drink plenty of fluid and take over the counter medicines for aches and pains, if required
GP practices also offer consultations online, over the phone and in person with a range of qualified staff.
And if your unwell and not sure where to go NHS 111 can help get you to the best place for your condition, either by going online at 111.NHS.UK, on the NHS App or by calling 111.
More information about local health services and how to find the right one for your needs can be found here.
Flu cases have begun to steady but hospital cases still surpassed 3,000 in the week before Christmas, a slight fall on the week before, according to new figures published today.
Thanks in part to NHS staff ramping up vaccination efforts with half a million more people protected against flu compared to the same period last year, flu cases have not risen further.
Hospitals still remain extremely busy with around 95 per cent of adult beds filled and 94,118 patients in hospital each day.
Other winter viruses also continue to circulate, with 707 patients in hospital with Covid on average, while 285 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus last week.
Almost 18.5 million people have been vaccinated against flu according to the latest figures, half a million more than the same week last year.
Despite the pressures of winter viruses and industrial action by resident doctors during this period, ambulance handovers have improved by six minutes compared to the previous week and more than 17 minutes on the same period last year.
While more than eight in ten calls to NHS 111 were answered within a minute, up from just over seven in ten the previous week.
England’s top doctor has warned that the NHS is “not out of danger yet” so it is vital people continue to get vaccinated as flu cases continue to rise in some pockets of the country.
Amber and yellow cold health alerts for England have also been issued by UKHSA as temperatures in the coming days are set to drop below freezing which could increase pressure on hospitals.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS National Medical Director, said: “I want to thank NHS staff who continue to deliver care under extraordinary pressure, and the public who have come forward to get their flu jab which is helping protect the public and ease pressure on hospitals.
“While there are signs of improvement and the NHS is in calmer waters, pressures on hospitals remain incredibly high and we’re not out of danger yet with temperatures set to drop in the coming days.
“As the incredibly busy winter continues and hospitals clearly experience intense pressure, please do continue to only use 999 and A&E in life-threatening emergencies and use NHS 111 and 111 online for other conditions.
“If you haven’t had your flu jab yet and are eligible, please come forward – it’s not too late.”
Health and Social Care Secretary, Wes Streeting said: “This year we planned earlier than ever for winter, and that preparation is paying off. By modernising the NHS – with strong clinical leadership, embracing digital tools and putting more power in the hands of local leaders – ambulance handover times are down on last year and more patients are getting the care they need, when they need it.
“Alongside this, we have delivered more than half a million more flu jabs this year compared to the last – but we are not out of the woods yet, with flu continuing to be a challenge.
“NHS staff at every level are working extremely hard to deliver the best care possible in the face of ongoing pressures. Their professionalism, resilience and commitment to patients have been evident throughout the Christmas period. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has stepped up to help keep the show on the road during a very challenging winter.”
The latest weekly winter data is available on the NHS England website.
People in Devon are being asked to be plan ahead of the four-day weekend this Christmas by choosing the right services for their needs, ordering prescriptions in advance and getting vaccinated against winter viruses.
As winter approaches and the Christmas period nears, NHS Devon is encouraging residents to take simple steps to stay well and be prepared, to help access the right health support when they need it.
The Christmas break this year includes a four-day weekend, during which many GP practices and pharmacies will be operating limited hours, so preparing early is essential.
Winter is traditionally a busy time across the NHS, but by planning ahead and making full use of local services such as their pharmacy, Devon residents can help protect their own health while reducing pressure on GP practices and Emergency departments for people who really need them.
Dr Peter Collins, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Devon said; “Winter is a challenging time for health services, particularly over longer bank holiday periods.
“All our services are working together to prioritise care to those most in need. Making the right choices by planning ahead, checking and using local services for minor conditions, residents can help ensure they stay well while keeping urgent and emergency services free for those who need them most.
“It is still critical that those needing emergency or life-saving care contact 999 or attend ED but we ask everyone else to choose the best service for their medical need. If your condition isn’t life-threatening, call 111 or go online, or use your GP or local pharmacy first.”
Think pharmacy first
Community pharmacies across Devon offer quick, expert advice and treatment for a wide range of common conditions – without the need for a GP appointment. Pharmacies can support with common issues such as sore throats, ear infections and sinusitis.
Pharmacists are highly trained clinicians and can recommend treatment, supply over-the-counter medication, and in some cases provide prescription-only medicines. Many pharmacies also offer private consultation rooms, making it easy to get support safely and discreetly.
Find your nearest pharmacy by visiting the NHS find a pharmacy website here
Order you medication ahead
Avoid being left without vital medication or support, residents are advised to:
- Order repeat prescriptions ahead of the four-day weekend – some pharmacies ask people to order at least three days in advance
- Prepare with some home medicines – items such as pain relief, cold/flu remedies, plasters, and indigestion treatments can help manage minor illness at home
Check the opening times of local services
Before you need care, residents are encouraged to check the opening times of their local NHS Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres services using theOne Devon website.
Check which pharmacies are open over the four-day weekend on the NHS pharmacy opening hours website here.
Getting vaccinated
The people in Devon most at risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu this winter are being urged to get their flu vaccine as cases of flu continue to rise across the county.
Some Devon GPs, vaccination centres and community pharmacies are offering flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccinations through the national booking systems or local booking systems on their own websites.
In addition, some pharmacies offer free flu vaccinations – for children aged 2-3 and eligible adults over 18, with walk-ins appointments available. Information is updated daily on the NHS website
If you need urgent advice and aren’t sure where to go, contact 111
If people really aren’t sure where to go, visit www.111.nhs.uk for urgent advice, or call 111.
For life-threatening emergencies like someone who is unconscious, struggling to breathe, has a severe allergic reaction, is experiencing a seizure for the first time, or has a serious injury or bleeding that won’t stop, call 999.
Find your nearest urgent or emergency care services in Devon here.
Being prepared is the best way of staying well and enjoying this Christmas period. Making the right choices helps you get the right care in the right place when you need it most.
Patients in Devon are being urged to ‘unwrap’ the NHS App to manage their health over the festive period.
With demand for NHS services rising over Christmas, the app offers a fast, convenient alternative to calling or visiting your GP practice for everyday tasks.
Patients can use it to order repeat prescriptions, get advice on medical conditions and locate nearby NHS services – all without needing to wait for surgery opening hours or make a phone call.
The ability to order repeat prescriptions in the run-up to Christmas is particularly useful as GP practices often experience a last-minute rush of people attempting to get their medication in time before Christmas.
Dr Alex Degan, a GP in Devon and primary care medical director at NHS Devon said: “Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for the NHS. Winter illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 spread more as people gather indoors, which leads to increased demand on services.
“This makes the NHS App even more valuable over the festive period as it allows you to unlock a host of services from the comfort and convenience of your own home.
“The app is available 24 hours a day for everything from ordering a repeat prescription to checking advice on a medical condition, so you can ensure your Christmas isn’t ruined because you have run out of vital medicines.”
You can also use the NHS App to:
- Order repeat prescriptions – and nominate a pharmacy where you would like to collect them
- Check if you need urgent medical help using 111 online
- View your GP health record
- Book and manage COVID-19 vaccinations
- Register organ donation decisions
- Choose how the NHS uses your data.
You can download the app on your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play or App Store or access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.
To use the NHS App or log in through the NHS website, you must be aged 13 or over and registered with an NHS GP surgery in England.
To set up a login, you need an email address and a mobile or landline number. This login will also give you access to lots of health and care websites and apps, including NHS services, online pharmacies, patient access services, and online consultation services.
The NHS is reminding the public to continue coming forward for care as normal over the last two days of strike action this weekend.
This period of industrial action by resident doctors began at 7am on Wednesday 17 November and will continue until 7am Monday 22 November.
Despite rising flu cases and other winter pressures, NHS teams have been doing all they can to minimise disruption to patients during the strike, and plans are in place to continue life-saving care, while keeping as much routine care and scheduled operations going as possible.
Latest figures show flu cases in hospital reached 3,140 by the end of last week – the highest ever for this time of year and up 18% on the week before – but there are welcome signs that the rise in hospital cases is slowing.
The NHS continues to offer free flu jabs in community pop-up clinics, such as Christmas markets, shopping centres and sports matches, in the lead up to Christmas and new year.
People who need emergency medical care should continue to use 999 or come forward to A&E as normal. For less urgent but serious situations, the public should use 111 online as the first port of call so that they can be directed to the best place for their needs.
Patients should attend any planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule.
As ever, GP practices, pharmacies and urgent and emergency care services continue to be available for those who need them.
Professor Meghana Pandit, NHS England National Medical Director, said: “Despite this being an extremely difficult time for the NHS to be facing industrial action, staff are yet again working tirelessly to keep care going, and the public should be reassured that services remain up and running this weekend.
“I want to thank all the staff who are going over and above to cover for those who are striking and ensure that patients get the care they need.
“If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 999, and for anything else please use NHS 111 as your first port of call so you can be directed to the best place, or visit your GP or local pharmacy who remain open.
“And vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself from getting sick with flu, so if you’re eligible, please come forward for a jab, it’s not too late.”
For advice on your local services in Devon click here
The NHS in the South West is preparing for another round of industrial action by resident doctors, who are due to strike from 7am Wednesday 17 December until 7am on Monday 22 December.
Plans are in place to maintain services as far as possible at near-normal levels, to minimise disruption for patients.
The key advice to the people across the region is to use emergency services as usual, if needed, and to attend any planned appointments unless they have been contacted to reschedule. While flu is also causing extra admissions, this should not deter anyone from attending.
Dr Emma Redfern, NHS England’s Deputy Regional Medical Director for the South West, said: “We all know that industrial action comes at a very real cost to patients and to the rest of the workforce who provide cover.
“It will be particularly difficult this time, when we have seen a sharp rise in flu admissions and as we head into winter.
“But none of that should put anybody off seeking the care they need. Please continue use the NHS normal, especially in emergency or life-threatening cases. If any appointments are cancelled, we’ll let you know.”
NHS advice is to:
- Dial 999 if it’s an emergency
- Use NHS 111, your GP and your pharmacist if it’s less urgent
Another way you can help, especially with Christmas fast-approaching, is by sticking enough of any prescription medicine, an ordering now if needed, to avoid running out over bank holidays. This can be done easily through the NHS App or by contacting your GP practice.
Full advice for public and patients during the strike is available here: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/information-for-the-public-on-industrial-action/
For advice on your local services in Devon click here
It’s not too late to have your free NHS flu vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.
Due to the current increase in the rates of flu and other respiratory infections, extra drop-in clinics are running for those eligible to get their free NHS flu vaccine and/or their seasonal COVID-19 booster vaccination.
Pregnant women, and those aged 75-79 and people who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, are also encouraged to take up the offer of Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination, which helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV.
RSV can make young babies and older adults seriously ill, and protection is passed on to babies through the placenta when the vaccination is taken up during pregnancy.
Protect your loved ones this Christmas
The NHS in Devon is encouraging those eligible to come forward for their vaccination ahead of Christmas. During the holidays we all spend more time indoors and socialise more, making it easier for viruses to spread and putting those more vulnerable at increased risk.
A comprehensive vaccination programme has been underway in Devon since the beginning of September, seeing high numbers of clinics being offered across GP sites, pharmacies, vaccination centres and outreach clinics.
Local pharmacies have been offering vaccination appointments, and many continue to do so throughout the winter months. Some local pharmacies have walk-in availability, whilst others offer appointments bookable online.
Dr Alex Degan, Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Devon said: “Every year, I see how much illness and suffering the flu causes, and how much of it is preventable.
“The vaccines we’re offering are safe and well-established. They are given to millions of people each year, and they’re one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself and the people you love this winter.”
Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?
- pregnant women;
- those aged 65 years and over;
- people in clinical risk groups such as those with asthma, COPD, kidney, heart and liver disease, and those with a BMI 40+;
- people living in long-stay residential care homes;
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person;
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals;
- frontline health and care workers;
- school-aged-children;
- 2- and 3-year-old children.
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 seasonal booster vaccination?
- people aged 75 and over;
- people who are immunosuppressed;
- people living in long-stay residential care home for older adults.
Pain-free flu protection for 2- and 3-year-olds, and school-aged children
Children are often described as ‘superspreaders’ of flu, as they pick up and transmit the virus easily, frequently passing it on to grandparents and other vulnerable family members. That’s why it’s important to vaccinate school-aged children, and children aged 2 and 3.
The free flu vaccine does not only protect them from serious illness, but also helps reduce the spread to those around them. Furthermore, the vaccine to children is delivered as a simple nasal spray rather than an injection, making it quick and pain-free.
The immunisation programme for school-aged-children is still underway – with catch up clinics running for those who may have missed or been unwell during school visits, or children who are home educated.
These free clinics are available throughout December and January, and parents and guardians can contact the School Immunisation Service on 01392 342678 for more information.
Parents and carers of 2- and 3-year-old children should visit the NHS website and book a flu vaccination appointment at their local pharmacy, or contact their GP surgery for an appointment.
Where can I have a free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccination?
Please see the list of walk-in NHS vaccination clinics below, offering the free flu jab and the COVID-19 seasonal booster vaccinations to eligible adults.
More clinic locations, dates and times will be published regularly during the programme, so please check the NHS website if the current list of clinics does not include a clinic near you, or at a time and date suitable to you.
You can also check availability at your local pharmacy on the NHS website, or contact your GP surgery as they may still offer winter vaccinations.
NHS walk-in flu and COVID-19 clinics in Devon:
| Date of Pop Up | Name/Type of Clinic | Location | Postcode | Vaccination time |
| 17-Dec-25 | St Budeaux Library | Victoria Road, Plymouth | PL5 1RQ | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 17-Dec-25 | Devonport Library | Chapel Street, Devonport, Plymouth | PL1 4DP | 13:00 – 15:00 |
| 17-Dec-25 | Torrington Community Hospital | Calf Street, Torrington | EX38 7BJ | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 18-Dec-25 | Frankfort Gate | Plymouth | PL1 1QA | 10:00 – 15:00 |
| 18-Dec-25 | Tesco Barnstaple | Barnstaple Retail Park, Sticklepath, Barnstaple | EX31 2AS | 09:00 – 12:00 |
| 19-Dec-25 | Exeter Vaccination Centre | Sidmouth Rd, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter | EX5 2JU | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| 19-Dec-25 | Stoke Hill Community Café | St Katherine’s Priory, St Katherines Road, Exeter | EX4 7JY | 10:00 – 11:30 |
| 23-Dec-25 | South Molton Community Hospital | Widgery Drive, South Molton | EX36 4DP | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 23-Dec-25 | Exeter Vaccination Centre | Sidmouth Rd, Woodbury Salterton, Exeter | EX5 2JU | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| 5-Jan-26 | Holsworthy Hospital | Dobles Lane, Holsworthy | EX22 6JQ | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 7-Jan-26 | Torrington Community Hospital | Calf Street, Torrington | EX38 7BJ | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 8-Jan-26 | Tesco Barnstaple | Barnstaple Retail Park, Sticklepath, Barnstaple | EX31 2AS | 09:00 – 12:00 |
| 13-Jan-26 | South Molton Community Hospital | Widgery Drive, South Molton | EX36 4DP | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 15-Jan-26 | Tesco Barnstaple | Barnstaple Retail Park, Sticklepath, Barnstaple | EX31 2AS | 09:00 – 12:00 |
| 15-Jan-26 | Tyrrell Hospital | St Brannock’s Park Rd, Ilfracombe | EX34 9LF | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 22-Jan-26 | Tesco Barnstaple | Barnstaple Retail Park, Sticklepath, Barnstaple | EX31 2AS | 09:00 – 12:00 |
| 26-Jan-26 | Holsworthy Hospital | Dobles Lane, Holsworthy | EX22 6JQ | 09:30 – 12:00 |
| 28-Jan-26 | Torrington Community Hospital | Calf Street, Torrington | EX38 7BJ | 09:30 – 12:00 |
NHS bosses in the South West have issued a last chance call for people to get their flu jab to be protected ahead of the festive holidays, as flu hospitalisations in the region surge by three quarters (76%) in just one week.
Latest 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 last week (to 7 December).
And there is a 93% increase in the number of beds taken up by flu when compared to the same week last year (week to 7 December 2024).
It shows the NHS is facing its ‘worst case scenario’ December with the flu surge leaving the NHS facing its busiest winter yet – and no peak in cases in sight.
It comes as thousands of resident doctors are set to go on strike from 17-22 December, with fears this could cause major disruption for patients in the run up to Christmas.
The public can help the NHS and themselves by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
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. With more than two million vaccines delivered across the region so far this season.
Dr Trevor Smith, Regional Medical Director for NHS England – South West said: “The rapid jump in people in hospital with flu in the last week is a real concern.
“This surge in cases is earlier than usual and confirms our fears that we could experience our worst flu season in years, just as we hit our busiest time over the Christmas and New Year period.
“That’s why it’s so important for eligible people to come forward now to get their free flu vaccination to protect themselves but also help protect the loved ones they might celebrate within the coming weeks.”
It takes up to two weeks following a flu jab to gain maximum protection, but by getting the jab in the next few days, people will still have a high level of protection ahead of Christmas Day.
Dr Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection and Vaccine Preventable Disease Lead at UKHSA South West, said:
“This is your last chance to flu-proof your festivities before Christmas, but importantly, it is not too late. While it takes up to two weeks to build maximum protection, getting your flu jab now will still provide a high level of protection for the festive period.
“Simple hygiene measures also make a real difference in stopping flu spreading. If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy, try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk. Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.
“We are concerned we could see a further spike in flu cases in the New Year, so even if you miss getting vaccinated before Christmas, it is still worth coming forward. The vaccine remains the best defence against flu and getting it at any point during the winter will help protect you and those around you through the rest of the season.”
The NHS is encouraging everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine – including people aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, and young children – to book their appointment now through their GP, local pharmacy, or NHS online services.
Details of local clinics are published online at NHS England — South West » Boost your immunity. Information on how to book an appointment for school-aged children who may have missed the flu vaccination at school is also available.
Weekly data now published by the NHS shows the average daily calls to 111 in the South West have gone up by almost 400 a day** in the last week. While nationally new monthly figures show there were more than 2.35 million A&E attendances in November – more than 30,000 more than the same period last year.
But this winter there are more ways to access care than ever before with pharmacies offering a range of advice and support, including prescriptions for seven common conditions.***
GP practices also offer consultations online, over the phone and in person with a range of qualified staff.
And if your unwell and not sure where to go NHS 111 can help get you to the best place for your condition, either by going online at 111.NHS.UK, on the NHS App or by calling 111.
