‘Tripledemic’ feared to crush NHS except Brits in danger do one factor by winter

Brits are being warned about a potential “tripledemic” of flu, Covid-19, and RSV heading our way.

NHS England is calling on those eligible to book their vaccinations from today as bookings for millions open up through the NHS website, app, or via calls to 119. With flu vaccines available from October 3, the over 65s, at-risk adults, and residential home patients, alongside the carers and social care workers, are all urged to get jabbed.

An autumn Covid booster shot is lined up for over 65s, care home residents, health staff, and those in clinical risk groups, including expectant mothers.

READ MORE: easyJet branded ‘outrageous’ by woman charged £100 as bag didn’t fit by ‘magic’

Click for more of the latest news from across the world from the Daily Star.

NHS England’s vaccination boss Michelle Kane emphasises: “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.”

The upcoming winter has prompted health experts to encourage vaccinations for those at greater risk of severe illness. “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.”, reports the Express.

Amid this push, flu vaccines have already been offered to pregnant women, young children up to year 11, and 6-months to 18 year olds in clinical risk groups. Additionally, for the first time this autumn, the NHS is rolling out an RSV vaccine. It’s available for women from their 28th week of pregnancy to shield newborns and individuals aged 75 to 79.

Dr Julie Yates, UK Health Security Agency’s deputy director for immunisation programmes, underscored the importance of awareness: “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.”

Highlighting the urgency, Dr Yates added, “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.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.