People who are eligible can book their Covid-19 and flu jabs from today, as health leaders urge the public to get vaccinated to help ease pressure on the NHS over winter
Brits eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccines have been urged to come forward to help ease pressure on the health service ahead of the approaching winter months.
NHS England has shared concerns over a so-called “tripledemic” of flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bookings are now open for millions of people, with appointments available through the NHS website, app, or by calling 119.
Flu jabs will be given from October 3 to those 65 and over, along with people aged 18 to 65 at risk and patients in long-stay residential homes. Frontline social care workers will also be eligible, as well as people who provide care for elderly or disabled people. Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster include adults over 65, care home residents, staff, frontline health and social care workers, and people in clinical risk groups, including pregnant women.
Michelle Kane, director for vaccinations at NHS England, said: “The flu and Covid-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses and it takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119, so I would urge everyone eligible to do so, to protect themselves and people around them.
“We know these vaccinations help more people keep well and stay out of hospital during the winter months, which is especially important at a time when the NHS is expected to be under a lot of pressure. It is therefore vital everyone eligible comes forward when invited.”
Following the call for pregnant women, toddlers, and school children up to year 11 to book their flu jabs, as well as youngsters from six months to 18 in clinical risk groups, the NHS has now launched its latest vaccine initiative. For the first time this autumn, the NHS is also offering an RSV vaccine.
The jab is being made available to expectant mothers starting from their 28th week of pregnancy to shield their newborns, and it’s also on offer for older individuals between the ages of 75 and 79. Dr Julie Yates, the UK Health Security Agency’s deputy director for immunisation programmes, stated: “Many people who are more vulnerable to getting a severe illness from respiratory viruses like flu and Covid-19 are not aware they are at greater risk and eligible for these vaccines.
“If you are pregnant or have a certain long-term condition you should be offered the vaccines if unsure, please speak with a trusted nurse or doctor. Older people and younger children with flu are also much more likely to get hospitalised and should also get the vaccines they are eligible for as soon as possible to ensure they are protected as we head into winter.”
