Flu cases surge as Tameside residents urged to get vaccinated

Tameside residents are being urged to get their flu jab as cases rise sharply across the region, placing increasing pressure on local health services.

Figures from early December show flu cases have risen by around 80 per cent in the last seven to 10 days, with hospital admissions up by 55 per cent nationally. The Northwest and Midlands are currently seeing some of the highest rates, with children aged between five and 14 experiencing the biggest increase.

Health officials say the surge is leading to growing demand on NHS 111, accident and emergency departments and hospital beds. As well as making people feel seriously unwell, flu can easily spread to family and friends, adding further strain to already stretched NHS services.

Residents are being reminded that the best way to protect themselves and others is by getting vaccinated. It is not too late to have the flu jab, with vaccines still available at GP practices, pharmacies and local drop-in clinics across Tameside. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of serious illness and helps keep pressure off the NHS over the busy winter period.

Cllr Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Population Health and Wellbeing, said: “We’re seeing a significant rise in flu cases locally, and this is putting real pressure on our NHS services. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is to get vaccinated, which is quick, easy and still available at local clinics and pharmacies. By taking this simple step, you’ll not only reduce your risk of serious illness but also help keep our hospitals and GPs free to care for those who need them most. So please don’t wait and get your flu jab today.”

This year’s flu season has started earlier than usual, and the strain currently circulating has not been seen widely in recent years, meaning many people have lower immunity. Health leaders stress that the flu vaccine remains effective and offers the strongest protection against severe illness.

Upcoming local clinics

School-aged children (Reception to Year 11):
• Wednesday 17 December, 1pm–4pm, Unit 12, Tameside Business Park, Windmill Lane, Denton, M34 3QS
• Wednesday 17 December, 3pm–5pm, North Family Hub, St Peter’s Children’s Centre, Trafalgar Square, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0LL
Appointments can be booked by calling 03333 583 397 (option 1, option 6, option 1).

Children aged 2 or 3 (on 31 August 2025):
• Thursday 18 December, 4pm–7pm, Ashton Primary Care Centre, 193 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7SR
(Open drop-in clinic – no appointment needed)

Adults aged 75 and over or immunocompromised people from six months:
(No appointment needed – look out for the NHS van or gazebo)
• Wednesday 17 December, 10am–6pm, Ladysmith Shopping Centre (outside Greggs), OL6 7JD
• Thursday 18 December, 10am–6pm, Asda/Starbucks Car Park, Cavendish Street, OL6 7PF
• Friday 19 December, 10am–6pm, Armentieres Square, Stalybridge, SK15 2BR
• Saturday 20 December, 10am–1pm, Crown Point Retail Park, Denton, M34 3JP
• Saturday 20 December, 1.30pm–4pm, Morrisons Denton, Saxon Street, M34 3DS
• Sunday 21 December, 10.30am–4pm, Asda/Starbucks Car Park, Cavendish Street, OL6 7PF

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

• Adults aged 65 and over
• People with long-term health conditions
• Pregnant women
• Care home residents
• Carers or those living with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Children aged two or three, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11), and children aged six months to 17 years with certain health conditions

Anyone not eligible for a free NHS jab can still get vaccinated at many high street pharmacies for between £15 and £25.

Details of local pharmacies offering free flu vaccination clinics can be found at www.nhs.uk/service-search/vaccination-and-booking-services/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-flu-vaccination.

Information on walk-in vaccination sites across Greater Manchester is available at gmintegratedcare.org.uk/covid-vaccine-walk-in-clinics, with full details of children’s catch-up flu clinics at gmintegratedcare.org.uk/childrens-catch-up-flu-vaccination-clinics.