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COVID-19

UK Health Experts Urge Eligible Individuals to Get Vaccinated as Hospital Admissions Rise

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Winter is approaching, and with it, concerns about hospital admissions for Covid-19 and flu are growing. Health experts are advising individuals to secure their vaccinations as soon as possible. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), both viruses continue to circulate, with a slight increase in hospital admissions for Covid-19. The agency has released guidance on maintaining safety, directing people to the most recent flu and Covid data. Doctor Alex Allen from the UKHSA stated that it's essential for those eligible to take up the offer to ensure they have the best protection against these viruses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UKHSA has reported a slight increase in the weekly hospital admission rate for COVID-19 in England, rising to 2.05 per 100,000 from 1.90 per 100,000 the previous week.
  • The rate of COVID-19 hospital admissions remains low, but an increase has been observed in recent weeks.
  • The most prevalent variant in the UK is currently the XFG variant, also known as "stratus".
  • The UKHSA has issued a warning regarding symptoms of Covid-19, including a high temperature, cough, tiredness, and achiness.
  • Eligible individuals for the flu vaccination this Autumn/Winter include: pregnant women, all children aged two or three years, primary school aged children from Reception to Year 6, secondary school aged children from Year 7 to Year 11, and those aged 65 years and over.
  • The autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme will run from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, and those eligible include adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Statistics:

  • The UVHSA reported a hospital admission rate of 2.05 per 100,000 for COVID-19 in England for the week of September 1.
  • Positive COVID-19 tests in hospitals remained stable, with an average weekly positivity rate of 8.9% compared to 9.2% the week before.
  • The number of positive tests from GP surgeries decreased to 10% from 21.2% the previous week.
  • The XFG variant, also known as "stratus", is the most prevalent variant in the UK.
  • The UKHSA has urged eligible people to get their vaccines as Covid and flu are continuing to circulate.

Sources:

  • UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Statement on social media platform X
  • UKHSA Statement on Covid-19 and flu data
  • Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) guidance on flu vaccination
  • Green Book chapter on Influenza and COVID-19

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