A year ago we did almost 1 million booster doses a day. This Xmas hardly any. And it's not cos we've finished - just under half of 50-64 yr olds remain unboosted.

Far too few kids have received even 1 dose.

Most adults under 50 last received a dose almost a year ago.

ONS infection survey shows that infections now going up in all nations (NB 2 weeks old data!).

Going up fastest in London and South and adults under 50.

BA.1.1 dominant but CH.1 Omicron variant gaining ground (now at 10%).

Number of people in hospital is going up in Scotland and England - data lagged in NI & Wales but likely to see it go up soon.

Admissions in England definitely going up quickly now, both for and with and mostly in over 65s. Particularly large increases in SW of England.

Other respiratory viruses (inc RSV) are going down *except* Flu - which is going up rapidly in all ages.

Flu admissions have shot up this past week - now higher than Covid. And higher & steeper than 2019/2020. We're in for a bad flu year I think. On top of a new Covid wave.

NHS strain continues: ambulance handover delays are much worse than prev years already and getting worse.

Critical care occupancy tracking prev years but both flu & Covid ICU admissions increasing.

Discharging patients also harder this year meaning hospitals v full.

With lots of Covid & Flu around, pls be kind to yrself & others. Get vaxxed if poss, wear a mask on transport, consider testing before mixing & don't mix if sick (whether covid or not!). Fresh air is good!

We're in much better place than last 2 yrs - let's keep it that way.

https://www.independentsage.org/independent-sage-end-of-year-2022-statement/