Lib Dems call for vaccinations in pubs and churches across Mid Sussex as winter flu crisis looms

Amid surging rates of flu admissions, which threatens to overwhelm hospitals in Sussex, the Liberal Democrats have called for an emergency vaccination scheme to be rolled out in community venues in Mid Sussex and right across the country. 

This campaign comes as hospitalisations for flu have risen by 55% across the country, with an average of 2659 patients in hospital beds with flu each day last week, up from 1717 the week before and up from 1724 at the same point last year.

Lib Dem analysis shows that rates of flu vaccination among over 65s fell by 2.3% between 2023-4 and 2024-5. With flu cases on the rise, local Lib Dem MP Alison Bennett has said, “Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated”. 

The scheme would see flu jabs offered in village halls, supermarkets, churches and social clubs, along with dedicated roaming “jab vans”. It would call upon people who volunteered in the pandemic to help put jabs in arms. 

Commenting, Alison Bennett, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Sussex, said: 

“Last week I toured the Emergency Department at the Princess Royal in Haywards Heath. It was clear from the number of people waiting to be seen that that flu cases are surging and staff are doing their very best to look after everyone who needs their help. But we all need to do our bit by getting a flu jab as soon as possible.

“To make this as easy as possible for everyone in the busy run up to Christmas, I’m calling for vaccines to be offered in community spaces across Mid Sussex - from pubs to churches - to prevent a disaster for our local health services and protect our elderly and vulnerable residents.”