The NHS is said to be busier than ever before with flu and norovirus numbers in hospital rising sharply

Local NHS leaders have urged people across North London to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated amid rising concerns of a potential ‘quad-demic’ which could hit hard this winter.

The call follows the release of national NHS data which showed the NHS is busier than ever before, with flu and norovirus numbers in hospital rising sharply.

The picture is mirrored in North London hospitals, and exacerbated by the lower-than-average vaccination rates in London. 

Dr Sonali Kinra, a local GP and deputy medical director for North Central London Integrated Care Board, said: “We are encouraging everyone who is eligible for the free flu and Covid-19 vaccines to get protected now.

“If you are aged 65 or over; if you’re pregnant, live in a care home, or have certain other health conditions, it’s really important to protect yourself because you are at greater risk of serious illness.”

Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the national booking service before it closes on 19^th December.

Dr Kinra added: “The festive season is about spending time with friends and family, so even if you aren’t at increased risk, those around you might be. Check on your friends and family if they are eligible, to make sure they have had their vaccinations and have the best possible protection.”

The wider pressures on the service were laid bare in the most recent national figures showing hospitals were managing record flu levels.

NHS national medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “The NHS is busier than it has ever been before heading into winter, with flu and norovirus numbers in hospital rising sharply – and we are still only at the start of December, so we expect pressure to increase and there is a long winter ahead of us.

“For a while there have been warnings of a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid-19, flu and RSV this winter, but with rising cases of norovirus this could fast become a ‘quad-demic’ so it’s important that if you haven’t had your covid or flu jab to follow the lead of millions of others and come forward and get protected as soon as possible.”

Find out more about who is eligible for vaccines:
Visit nclhealthandcare.org.uk

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