Flu cases being spotted earlier this year as we are warned to protect ourselves with a vaccine
Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board say that there is a "mixed picture" in those getting the jabs, as there has been a "relatively poor uptake" in those under 65
Last updated 24th Nov 2025
Over 2000 people were admitted to Mid and South Essex hospitals last year with the flu, and the Integrated Care Board are warning numbers could be higher this winter, as the virus is striking earlier this year.
The majority admitted did not have the vaccine, and we are being told of "relatively poor uptake" again this year.
The Integrated Care Board say that: "flu can be a very serious illness that requires hospitalisation. With emergency hospital admissions for 2-3 year olds for flu rising 13% last year - and a 38% increase in Emergency Department admissions for flu across all children under the age of 18."
"Despite the widespread availability of the flu vaccine via GP practices and local pharmacies, uptake among 2–3-year-olds in mid and south Essex remains below national levels, with just over 40% of 2-3 year olds receiving their vaccination last year."
"While uptake in areas like mid Essex was higher than the national average, significantly fewer children were vaccinated in Thurrock (32.4% of 2-3 year olds) and Southend (38.9% of 2-3 year olds) - highlighting a continued need to boost vaccine confidence and access in these communities."
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director and doctor at Broomfield Hospital, said that vaccine uptake was a "mixed picture."
"So the over 65s are doing a lot better than the under 65s. We know those residents who have health conditions under the age of 65 have a relatively poor uptake, and in our children I think we're still at only about a third uptake.
"Flu can affect any age group and in fact any population.
"You could feel invincible, you could potentially think you know what, it won't happen to me, it will happen to someone else, and if I do get it, it won't be that bad. But it is really important for me to remind people that flu affects everyone, that it can result in hospital admissions, and it can result in death.
"We saw 8000 deaths last year from flu across England, and we saw in our system in Mid and South Essex, 2000 admissions to hospital.
"There's a whole myriad of ways to get your vaccine this year, and I would encourage it.
"The other thing I would like to give a big shout out to for Essex is the vaccine bus out and about.
"It was in Chelmsford last week, and it vaccinated 100 people I think age 3 to 93."
Matt said that getting a vaccine allows someone to protect themselves, whilst also protecting "vulnerable and loved ones who may have other health conditions."