Bosses are urging people who are eligible to get their flu vaccines to avoid overwhelming the sites.
This includes people aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, those living in care homes and pregnant women.
15 people were also hospitalised by the Trust with flu between September and October.
That’s double last year’s number.
Tracy Luckett, Group Chief Nurse at St George’s, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals and Health Group (gesh), said:
“As a nurse, I’ve seen first-hand that flu can be very serious and even deadly – and we’re already seeing more patients needing hospital treatment this winter.
“The vaccine is about protection – protecting ourselves but also protecting our loved ones, including those who are most vulnerable. I strongly urge anyone who’s eligible to get vaccinated before flu starts spreading more widely.”
Who is eligible for the free flu jab?
-People who will be aged 65 or over by 31 March
-People aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
-Pregnant women
-Care home residents
-Main carers for an older or disabled person, or who receive a carer’s allowance
-People living with someone who has a weakened immune system
-People experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
