THE number of children hospitalised due to vaping is on track for a record high, NHS figures show.
Angry health service bosses hit out at e-cig firms pushing Christmas-themed flavours like mince pie and candy cane that appeal to youngsters.
Gimmicky flavours will be banned by law next year.
Between April and October this year, 31 under-18s were admitted to hospital in England with vaping-related illnesses.
E-cigarettes can cause lung damage or pneumonia in heavy users, while too much nicotine may lead to dizziness and vomiting.
The figures put the NHS on track to treat at least 53 by March – more than 2023’s high of 51 young patients in one financial year.
Surveys suggest about seven per cent of under-18s – almost a million – are regular vapers.
NHS medical director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “More than 30 children and young people being admitted to hospital over seven months is simply alarming.
“Now vape companies are pumping out Christmas deals and festive flavours, like Christmas pudding, candy cane, mince pies or gingerbread.
“They are likely to be appealing to younger age groups and it is possible to purchase them with little to no checks.
“Vapes can be a useful tool to help adults quit smoking but they should not be used by children and under 18s.
“There’s nothing joyful about the serious effect they can have on young people’s health.”
Official figures show that 280 patients of all ages have needed hospital stays so far this year because of vapes, compared to 317 in 2023.
The highest recorded was 431 in 2022.
Rates of serious illness among youngsters are low but rising, from just 11 in 2020 to 51 last year.
New laws to control underage vaping will next year involve tougher penalties for shops selling to youths, and tighter restrictions on advertising, packaging and flavours.
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