More than 100 people were in hospital at the start of December with the flu, with numbers rising every day according to the region’s senior health leaders
11:56, 13 Dec 2025Updated 11:59, 13 Dec 2025
Those eligible are urged to get their flu jab now(Image: PA)
Amid soaring flu cases, the NHS in Greater Manchester is urging parents in boroughs where there protection is lowest to take their children to extra clinics being put on.
Greater Manchester, and the rest of the country, is facing a severe wave of flu. More than 100 people were in hospital at the start of December with the flu, with numbers rising every day according to the region’s senior health leaders.
Flu has hit earlier and harder this winter than in previous years. A more virulent strain means people are more likely to suffer more serious problems caused by the flu, and the virus changes every year meaning people need protection annually.
National health chiefs have warned that the peak of flu is still not yet in sight, expecting that the numbers of flu cases and those being admitted to hospital will continue to skyrocket. Now, senior doctors in Greater Manchester are encouraging parents to make use of extra flu vaccine clinics for their children to prevent them getting seriously sick with the illness.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester: “Every year thousands of people get really sick and end up in hospital from flu – and this year we are seeing it more than ever. That’s why we are holding free walk-in catch-up flu vaccination clinics for any two to three-year-olds who’ve not been vaccinated by their GP and school-aged children who have missed the vaccinations happening at their school or who are home-schooled – to ensure as many children as possible are protected.
“The vaccine is still our best defence against flu, but the virus changes every year, which is why it is so important to get the new vaccine each year to stay protected. For most children this means getting a quick and painless spray vaccine rather than an injection.
“So, if your children have missed getting the flu vaccine at their school this year or are home-schooled, I urge you to please book them an appointment at one of the flu clinics taking place in December to ensure they have the protection they need to fight this virus and to keep those around them safe.
“With flu and other winter illnesses on the rise alongside planned industrial action, keeping up to date with winter vaccines will help you and your children stay well during the festive period.”
Catch up clinics
NHS Greater Manchester is running free catch-up walk-in flu vaccination clinics for two to three-year-olds and school-aged children taking place in areas of the lowest uptake for those who have missed getting it.
From Friday 12th to Thursday 30th December, any children aged two to three-years-old who’ve not been vaccinated by their GP or in reception, up to and including year 11, who have missed the vaccinations at their school or who are home-schooled, will be able to get their free flu vaccine at one of the walk-in catch-up flu vaccination clinics. These will be taking place in Oldham, Tameside, Manchester, Salford, Bolton and Bury – places where uptake has been particularly low.
The full list of who people eligible for a flu vaccine this year 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)
- those aged 65 years and over
- people with certain long-term health conditions
- residents in a care home
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
The free walk-in catch-up flu clinics are only for two to three-year-olds who’ve not been vaccinated by their GP, and school-aged children who have missed getting the flu vaccine when it came to their school or who are home-schooled. Those where the flu vaccination clinic is yet to come to their school should wait for that.
How this year’s flu season in Greater Manchester compares with previous years(Image: MEN)
Symptoms
Symptoms of flu come on very quickly and can include:
- A sudden high temperature (38°C or above)
- An aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- A dry cough
- A sore throat
- A headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Feeling sick and being sick
- Symptoms are similar for children, but they can also get pain in their ear and appear less active.
Where to go for more help
To find out more about the Christmas children walk-in catch-up flu vaccination clinics in Greater Manchester visit: Children’s catch-up flu vaccination clinics | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.
The clinics are walk-in only so there is no need to book an appointment, but if you do have any questions please call Intrahealth on 03333 583 397 or email contactimms@intrahealth.co.uk.
If you have a child aged two or three, you can also make an appointment with participating pharmacies across Greater Manchester who offer the flu vaccine. You can find a full list of participating pharmacies here: Pharmacies offering flu vaccination for two to three year olds | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
You can find out more about the flu vaccine and who is eligible here: https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/winter-vaccinations/