Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential severity of the 2021/22 flu season; and what steps they intend to take to mitigate the impact of flu on the National Health Service this winter.

The UK Health Security Agency routinely monitors flu activity, with the latest information showing that levels of flu in circulation have remained low to date.

To minimise the risk of flu circulating this winter, providers will offer the flu vaccine to over 35 million people. The expansion of the programme includes a further offer of vaccination for those aged 50 to 64 years old and secondary school Year 11 to prevent onward transmission to vulnerable members of the community. We have also secured a central stock of flu vaccines in addition to stocks held locally.