Bookings for Covid and flu jabs open today among 'tripledemic' fear
Millions of people are being urged to get their free flu, Covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines amid fears of a 'tripledemic' that could overwhelm the NHS.
From 9am today, those eligible can book jabs either through the NHS website and app, or by calling 119.
NHS England has voiced concern over a possible triple threat of illnesses leading to swathes of people becoming unwell. As such, getting vaccinated will help people stay out of hospital and ease pressure on the healthcare system.
As of today, those eligible for Covid and flu jabs can book themselves in for a vaccine online, with appointments available via the NHS website, app, or by calling 119. The RSV vaccine has been available to pregnant women and those age 75 to 79 since early September.
Michelle Kane, the organisation’s director for vaccinations, said: 'The flu and Covid-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses. 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.'
Who can get free jabs?
As per NHS advice, those eligible for a flu vaccine from 3 October include:
those aged 65 years and over
those aged 18 years to under 65 years, and from six months to 18, in clinical risk groups
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers of the elderly or disabled
close contacts of people with a weak immune system
frontline social care workers
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
residents in a care home for older adults
all adults aged 65 years and over
persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women and (from 1 September)
frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024, or primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6) (from 1 September)
The NHS has also been offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women from 1 September, which they can receive from their 28th week of pregnancy to protect their unborn children, as well as to adults turning 75.
RSV is a common illness that affects 90% of children under the age of two and peaks in the winter. Its symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever and headache, and the virus is usually mild. However, it can develop into a lung infection called bronchiolitis, which in some cases can lead to severe and life-threatening respiratory difficulties.
Those eligible for RSV vaccines include:
Pregnant women (from 28 weeks onward)
If you're aged 75 to 79
Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes, said: '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.'
Kane continued, 'We know that 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 that everyone eligible comes forward when invited.'
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