Close-up photo of an adult female nurse administering a vaccine to an adult woman at a vaccination center.
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Authorities in England have announced that eligible citizens can now book a vaccine to protect against the “triple pandemic” of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
Over the coming weeks, people will be able to receive a range of vaccine doses based on their individual risk, public health leaders said in a statement.
While seasonal viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus spread every winter, COVID-19 cases peak and trough more regularly.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, levels of these viruses are currently relatively low.
The country hopes that by vaccinating its most vulnerable people now against COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, they can soften their impact during the cold season.
The winter virus can be serious even in healthy adults, and certain age groups and people with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk of severe illness and death.
Being infected with multiple viruses is especially dangerous: Studies have shown that being infected with both the flu and COVID-19 can make you more likely to develop severe symptoms and greater lung damage.
The winter virus is also putting severe strain on England’s public health system, which is already facing multiple crises in acute, elective and mental health care, as I documented in an investigation for The Lead last week.
A vaccination programme will help reduce the overall burden of these diseases and prevent many people from being hospitalised, freeing up staff and beds.
Vaccines for COVID-19, influenza and RSV are available and can be given free of charge to those most at risk.
Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations are also available privately for people who do not fall into vulnerable groups.
Who can get the vaccine for free?
Eligibility varies slightly for each vaccine.
The COVID-19 Booster is intended for:
Adults aged 65 and over People living in senior housing Elderly people aged between 6 months and 64 years with underlying health conditions Pregnant women Frontline health and social care workers and staff in senior care facilities
The following people are eligible for a free flu vaccination:
People 65 and over Children under 16, or under 18 if they have an underlying medical condition Pregnant women People over 18 with underlying medical conditions Caregivers and close contacts of people with weakened immune systems Frontline health and social care workers
Further information on what is considered an ‘underlying condition’ can be found in the UKHSA’s immunisation ‘Green Book’.
Eligible members of the public can book their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations online, via the government app or by calling a dedicated phone number (119). Those who are eligible for both vaccinations will usually be offered the shots at the same time.
England is also launching its first RSV vaccination campaign, offering the jab free to pregnant women over 28 weeks and people aged 75 to 79.
Giving the vaccine to pregnant women helps protect the developing fetus, which is especially important because infants are susceptible to RSV infection.
People who are eligible to receive all three vaccines will receive the RSV vaccine on a different day from the other two vaccines that may be given together.
‘Life-saving’ protection
“Many people who are vulnerable to severe illness from respiratory viruses like influenza and COVID-19 are unaware of the greater risk they are at,” said Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA’s deputy director of immunisation programmes.
But getting the vaccine could “save lives”, added Michelle Cain, head of vaccinations at the NHS. Vaccines are “our best defence against these viruses” and will “help keep more people healthy and out of hospital over the winter”, she said.
