NHS warning as three illnesses 'set to surge through UK'

Officials are calling on those eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccines to step forward, in an effort to alleviate the strain on healthcare services as winter approaches.

NHS England has raised alarms about a potential "tripledemic" involving flu, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Starting from 9am on Monday, millions will be able to book their vaccinations through the NHS website, app, or by dialling 119.

From October 3, flu vaccinations will be available to those aged 65 and over, individuals between 18 to 65 with clinical risk factors, and residents in long-term care facilities. Eligibility also extends to frontline social care workers and those caring for the elderly or disabled, reports the Express.

The autumn Covid booster is open to adults over 65, care home residents and staff, frontline health and social care workers, and clinically vulnerable groups, including expectant mothers.

Michelle Kane, NHS England's director for vaccinations, emphasised: "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 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."

The fresh round of invitations for flu vaccinations now includes pregnant women, toddlers, and schoolchildren up to Year 11. Additionally, the offer extends to all young individuals from six months to 18 in clinical risk groups.

Moreover, this autumn marks the first time the NHS is administering an RSV vaccine. Available from the 28th week of pregnancy, the vaccine aims to shield newborns and is also being offered to older individuals between the ages of 75 and 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.

"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."