Public Health Wales urges people to have flu jab ‘as soon as possible’ as cases rise

Public Health Wales is urging people to get their flu jab “as soon as possible” as the number of flu cases rises.

Information from GP surgeries, hospitals and confirmed outbreaks indicates the flu is already circulating across Wales — around a month earlier than in recent years. While current case numbers remain low, health officials warn they are expected to rise in the coming weeks.

Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said the early start was a timely reminder not to delay getting protected.

“Flu is now circulating across Wales and we’re seeing signs that this year’s season has started earlier than usual,” he said. “There is still time to get your flu vaccine before we reach the peak of circulation.”

The flu vaccine helps protect against three strains of influenza that circulate each year. The most common strain detected so far is influenza A(H3), which in past seasons has caused more illness and outbreaks among older adults and care home residents.

Public Health Wales is urging those aged 65 and over, care home residents, and people with long-term health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, to get vaccinated. The jab is also available free on the NHS to pregnant women, carers, health and social care workers, and children aged two to three.

Primary and secondary school pupils (reception to Year 11) are being offered the flu vaccine at school. 

Dr Johnson added that eligible people should also consider Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations this winter to help reduce illness and pressure on NHS services.

Visit Public Health Wales’ website for more information on where to get vaccinated.