Vaccinations against winter ‘triple epidemic’ begin in England

Eligible members of the public can now book vaccines to protect against a ‘triple epidemic’ of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, officials in England have said.

People will be able to get different shots in the coming weeks depending on their specific risk. Public health leaders announced this in a statement.

Seasonal viruses, including influenza and RSV, circulate each winter, while COVID-19 cases peak and trough more regularly.

Right now there are levels of these viruses are relatively lowThis is reported by the British Health Security Agency.

By now vaccinating the most vulnerable against COVID-19, flu and RSV, the country hopes to soften the blow during the colder months.

Winter viruses can be serious, even for healthy adults. Those in certain age groups or with pre-existing conditions are at increased risk for severe symptoms and even death.

It can be extremely dangerous to contract more than one virus. Research has shown that people contract who contract both flu and COVID-19 are more likely to have severe symptoms and greater damage to their lungs.

Winter viruses are also putting serious pressure on England’s public health system, which is already dealing with multiple crises in emergency care, elective care and mental health, as I documented in a study on The leadership last week.

Vaccination programs can help reduce the overall burden of these diseases, preventing many people from ending up in hospital, freeing up staff and beds.

Vaccines are available for COVID-19, influenza and RSV, with those most at risk eligible for free vaccinations.

Flu and COVID-19 shots are also available privately for people who do not belong to a vulnerable group.

Who can get free vaccines?

Each vaccine is eligible slightly differently

The COVID-19 booster is open to:

• Adults aged 65 or older
• People living in retirement homes
• People with underlying health conditions between the ages of 6 months and 64 years old
• Pregnant women
• Frontline health and social care workers and care home staff

The free flu shot is available for:

• Those over 65 years old
• Children up to 16 years old, or up to 18 years old if they have an underlying condition
• Pregnant women
• Those over 18 years of age with an underlying condition
• Healthcare providers and people who have close contact with someone with a weakened immune system
• Frontline health and social care staff

Details of what counts as an “underlying condition” can be found in the UKHSA’s “Green Book” on immunization.

Eligible members of the public can book their flu and COVID-19 shots online, via a government app or by calling a dedicated telephone line (119). People who can get both shots are normally offered them at the same time.

For the first time, England is also conducting a vaccination campaign against RSV. The free shot is available to pregnant women from 28 weeks and people between 75 and 79 years old.

Giving the vaccine to pregnant women can help protect a growing fetus. This is especially important because young children are vulnerable to RSV.

People eligible for all three vaccines will receive RSV on a different day than the other two, which can be given together.

‘Life-saving’ protection

“Many people who are more vulnerable to getting serious illness from respiratory viruses such as flu and COVID-19 are not aware that they are at greater risk,” said Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA deputy director for immunization programmes.

But the vaccinations could be “life-saving”, added Michelle Kane, director of vaccinations at the National Health Service. They “are our best defense against these viruses” and will “help more people stay healthy and out of the hospital during the winter months,” she said.