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Covid, flu and RSV jabs to be rolled out from next week, as NHS tries to avoid ‘tripledemic’ this winter




Those at risk can get their flu and Covid vaccinations from next week, writes Amy Cowan.

Available from October 3, the vaccinations will provide vital protection and keep people from developing serious illness during the colder months, the NHS said.

Flu jabs are being rolled out for eligible people from next week
Flu jabs are being rolled out for eligible people from next week

Rachael Corser, chief nursing officer for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West

Integrated Care Board 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 those around them.”

The NHS said that flu season usually reaches a peak in December and January, so starting vaccinations so soon will prevent the spread of the virus once people need to gather indoors more frequently.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommends adults aged 65 and over, care home residents and those with underlying health conditions receive the vaccination and those eligible are expected to receive invitations from the NHS soon.

As in previous years, these Covid-19 and flu vaccines will also be offered to frontline health and social care workers.

For the first time, the NHS is also offering a new vaccine for RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which is a common cause of coughs and colds, the NHS said.

It can be particularly dangerous for children and older individuals and so is being offered to those aged 75 to 79 as well as pregnant women over 28 weeks.

Flu jabs are being rolled out for eligible people from next week
Flu jabs are being rolled out for eligible people from next week

Mrs Corser added: “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.”

Nasal flu vaccinations for children have already started in September, in time for the new school year, and pregnant women have been able to receive the jab from September 1.

The NHS said the vaccinations will all be vital in the NHS campaign to avoid a “tripledemic” this winter and to reduce the strain of RSV, COVID-19, and the flu on frontline staff.



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