The NHS in Lincolnshire is issuing an urgent ‘flu jab SOS’ to encourage eligible people to come forward for their flu vaccinations before the worst of winter hits.
In line with the rest of the country, Lincolnshire has seen a significant increase in flu cases over the last week or so (as of 10 November 2025), with the highest rates being in those aged 5-14 years old.
Hospitalisations due to flu are rising
“What we’re also seeing, again in line with the rest of the country, is a rate of hospitalisations due to flu that is just over twice what it was this time last year (2.8 per 100,000 at the time of writing, compared to 1.32 per 100,000 this time last year), with these hospitalisations highest in those aged 85 and over,” explains Steve Clapton, Head of Immunisation & Screening, NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
Although the latest hospitalisation rates in the county as a result of flu are still lower than the national rate (3.8 per 100,000), flu cases and hospitalisations are likely to rise across the region, including in Lincolnshire, over the next two weeks.
“We generally look towards Australia’s experience, since their flu season arrives before ours and is generally a good indicator as to what’s to come, and this year has been the biggest flu season in their history. So, it seems reasonable to say that the UK, and the rest of the northern hemisphere, is in for a particularly difficult flu season this time around.
“This is why we are strongly encouraging anyone eligible to make arrangements to have their flu vaccination as soon as possible, in order to get on top of the early wave of flu that is now hitting the NHS more than a month earlier than usual,” comments Steve.
Stay strong, get vaccinated
Across the country more than 13 million flu vaccines have been delivered so far, including 2.3 million vaccines to eligible children.
“In Lincolnshire, our GP practices and community pharmacies have been very busy running flu vaccination clinics, giving over 225,000 vaccinations since the start of October, which is encouraging, but there are still a lot of people eligible who are yet to come forward,” adds Steve.
“We are especially keen to see children and older people, as well as people with certain long-term conditions. The risk from flu for people with chronic liver disease is significantly higher, as it is for those who are immunosuppressed or who have chronic neurological disease. We have plenty of capacity to give flu vaccinations, so please make sure you have yours as quickly as possible.”
Symptoms of flu
The symptoms of flu include a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired or achy – anyone experiencing these symptoms should limit contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you need to go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face covering, wash hands regularly, and ensure indoor spaces are well ventilated.
People eligible for a flu vaccination this winter
People eligible for a flu vaccination this winter include those who are:
- Aged 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- Pregnant (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Living with certain long-term health conditions including heart or liver disease, chronic respiratory disease, diabetes, or neurological conditions
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Children – those aged 2 to 3 years, school aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long term health conditions.
- Parents: Please sign and return school consent forms, or book an appointment for 2 to 3 year-olds at your GP surgery. If your child misses a school vaccination session then contact your local vaccination team to find out details of any catch-up sessions in your area.
Book your appointment now
Eligible adults can book an appointment to get their flu vaccine now via at their local pharmacy via the NHS App, through their GP practice, by calling 119 or visiting www.nhs.uk/bookflu to book online.
You can find out more about the children’s flu vaccine, including which age groups are eligible and how to get the children’s flu vaccination here Children’s flu vaccine – NHS.
The pharmacy finder can be used to find walk-in appointments.