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Influenza

Flu Season in Wales: Early Circulation and Call to Get Vaccinated

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Public Health Wales has issued an urgent message to all eligible groups, especially those aged 65 and over, and residents in care homes, to get vaccinated as soon as possible due to early flu circulation in Wales. Current surveillance data, including GP and hospital testing, indicates that influenza activity is increasing, with the flu season starting a month earlier than usual. The flu season typically begins in late November or early December. However, with case numbers expected to rise over the coming weeks, there is still time to get vaccinated before reaching the peak of circulation. Those eligible for the flu vaccine include individuals aged 65 years and older, people with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, carers, healthcare workers, and those living in care homes, as well as children aged two and three and primary and secondary school pupils.

Key Takeaways:

  • The flu season in Wales has started earlier than usual, with influenza activity increasing and case numbers expected to rise over the coming weeks.
  • Public Health Wales is urging all eligible groups, especially those aged 65 and over, and residents in care homes, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
  • The flu season typically begins in late November or early December, but this current activity is around a month earlier than in recent seasons.
  • The flu vaccine is available to people aged 65 years and older, those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, carers, healthcare workers, and those living in care homes.
  • Children aged two and three and primary and secondary school pupils (reception to year 11) are also eligible for the flu vaccine.
  • Public Health Wales is providing accurate information on the flu vaccine through their website and is encouraging everyone to take necessary precautions.

Statistics:

  • The flu season has started around a month earlier than usual in recent seasons.
  • Influenza activity is increasing in Wales due to early circulation.
  • Case numbers are expected to rise over the coming weeks.
  • The flu vaccine is available to approximately 1.3 million people in Wales.
  • 65% of the eligible population are typically vaccinated each year.

Sources:

  • "Flu is circulating earlier than usual in Wales"
  • Public Health Wales website
  • Public Health Wales
  • "Wintervaccinations"

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