NHS warning as millions urged to get jabs to avoid 'tripledemic' set to sweep UK

The NHS has issued a stark warning for those eligible to receive free flu and Covid-19 jabs to step forward to help alleviate the pressure on healthcare services as winter draws near.

NHS England officials are urging individuals eligible for both the flu and Covid-19 jabs to come forward as part of a concerted effort to ease the pressure on healthcare services with winter on the horizon. Alarming predictions of a "tripledemic" involving flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been raised, prompting action.

Starting from 9am on Monday, eligible parties will have the opportunity to make their vaccination appointments using the NHS website, app, or by calling 119. .

Flu vaccines, from October 3rd, will be offered to those aged 65 and above, people aged 18 to 65 with clinical risk factors, residents in long-term care homes, frontline social care workers, and anyone providing care for the elderly or disabled, as reported by the Express. The autumn Covid booster programme also welcomes adults over 65, care home residents and staff, health and social care workers on the front lines, and clinically vulnerable groups including pregnant women to receive their doses.

Highlighting the importance of the vaccinations, Michelle Kane, Director for Vaccinations at NHS England, has been quoted expressing: "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."

Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19 to help reduce the pressure on the NHS during the winter months. The vaccination programme has been expanded to include pregnant women, toddlers, schoolchildren up to Year 11, and young people from six months to 18 in clinical risk groups.

For the first time, an RSV vaccine will also be available to pregnant women from their 28th week and to people aged 75-79. Dr Julie Yates, Deputy Director for Immunisation Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, 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."

She added: "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."