This Black Friday weekend, the NHS has issued a witty but vital public health message, suggesting Brits skip the hunt for yet another air fryer and instead invest in protection against a serious illness.
A Timely Health Reminder
In a cleverly timed Instagram Story, the UK health service urged the public: "This Black Friday, get the flu vaccine. Not another air fryer. Get protected from serious illness!" This alert comes as health officials express growing concern about an unusually early rise in influenza cases across the country, warning of a potential 'long and drawn out' winter.
According to the most recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), flu is currently circulating at low levels, but cases are on the rise. The weekly mean positivity rate has increased to 11.6%, up from 10.7% the previous week.
Understanding the Current Flu Spike
Health experts have identified that children and young adults are playing a major role in the current spread of the virus. This is supported by a recorded increase in emergency department visits for influenza-like illness during the week of November 17 to 23.
This early season pattern in the UK follows warning signs from the Asia-Pacific region, where Japan declared a flu epidemic back in October, leading to widespread school closures.
Dr Alex Allen, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, explained the situation on October 30, stating: "We’re seeing an unusually early start to the flu season this year, with the latest data showing a sharp increase among children but also increases in other age groups, with the virus now starting to spread more widely in the community." He emphasised that the vaccine is our best defence and is crucial for those at greater risk of severe illness.
Who is Eligible for the Free NHS Flu Vaccine?
Each autumn, the NHS offers free flu vaccinations to individuals at higher risk. The rollout was phased, with six primary groups becoming eligible from September 1, and a further six groups from October 1.
Eligible from September 1:
- Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
- Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
- Pregnant women
- All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
Eligible from October 1:
- Everyone aged 65 years old and over
- Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
- Care home residents
- Carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance, or main carers of an elderly or disabled person
- Those living with people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
Vaccinations are readily accessible at GP surgeries, many pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes. Frontline health and social care staff can often get vaccinated at their workplace.
Dr Allen also encouraged parents, saying, "Parents should return school consent forms or arrange GP appointments for two to three-year-olds. The nasal spray vaccine can help stop your child from getting very unwell and reduce the risk of passing flu to vulnerable family members."
For anyone experiencing symptoms of flu or COVID-19—such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy—the advice is to minimise contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals. If you must go out, consider wearing a face covering, wash your hands regularly, and ensure indoor spaces are well-ventilated.
