The NHS is urgently appealing for people with certain health conditions to get vaccinated against flu this winter.
The health service has launched a drive to protect against a ‘tripledemic’ of Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), warning that it’s “crucial” for people to protect themselves.
Flu season typically peaks in December and January, so it is important for people who are at risk of being seriously ill to get vaccinated now so they are well protected during the colder month when people gather indoors, and viruses spread.
The NHS says it has already invited more than 11 million people to come forward for their vaccination. GP practices and local NHS services will also contact people, but if you’re eligible for a jab, you don’t have to wait to be invited to book an appointment.
The flu jab is offered for free to people who are aged 65 or over, residents in older adult care homes and those aged between six months and 64 years with underlying health conditions.
The NHS says if you have any of these ten long-term conditions, then you are eligible for the flu vaccine and should aim to get it before the peak flu season starts next month:
conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
chronic kidney disease
liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
diabetes or Addison’s disease
a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
a learning disability
being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
If you have any of these conditions, you can book a flu jab at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App if you’re aged 18 or over. Alternatively, you can contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.
You may also be able to get vaccinated through your maternity service if you’re pregnant, a care home, or your employer if you’re a frontline health or social care worker.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said: “We are seeing a rise of flu and Covid cases and hospitalisations, on top of a seasonal rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are adding to the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased.
“The threat of these viruses is real – and the best defence against these dangerous illnesses is vaccination – so it is crucial that anyone eligible comes forward for their vaccine appointment when they can to protect themselves and those around them – it could keep you out of hospital this winter”.
