Over two million people in London have received the flu jab since Monday, September 1, 2025, and there has been a 24 per cent drop in flu hospital admissions compared to the same time last year.
Dr Chris Streather, chief medical director for the NHS in London, said: “I want to thank Londoners who came forward for their flu jab in the run-up to Christmas.
“Their actions are making a real difference.
“We’ve seen a 14 per cent reduction in flu patients occupying hospital beds compared with earlier in December.”
Despite the decline, hospitals are still facing significant winter demand.
Since Christmas, an average of 387 beds have been occupied daily by flu patients across the capital, down from 451 earlier in December.
Dr Streather said: “However, now is not the time to be complacent.
“London hospitals are currently caring for an average of 387 patients a day, and winter pressures remain high.
“It is vital that Londoners help us to help them, by coming forward for care when needed, and by getting their vaccination to protect themselves against flu.”
Eligible residents who have not yet been vaccinated are being urged to do so as soon as possible.
Dr Streather said: “Vaccination is the best protection against getting potentially very ill for yourself and those around you, and it helps reduce the strain on the capital’s NHS services.”
Rising 999 calls are adding further pressure on emergency and ambulance services.
Peter Rhodes, deputy director of ambulance operations at London Ambulance Service, said: “With cold temperatures and wet weather, we’re seeing an increase in 999 calls relating to trips and falls and other health conditions, such as cardiac and respiratory illnesses, that can be made worse by the cold weather.”
He advised staying warm, wearing appropriate clothing and looking out for vulnerable people.
The flu jab is still available for people aged 65 and over, under-65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, close contacts of immunosuppressed individuals, frontline social care workers, health and social care staff, children and pregnant women.
