The NHS opened its winter vaccination programme last week, with the aim of protecting the most vulnerable members of the population against respiratory viruses. This year, as well as vaccinating against Covid-19 and flu, the NHS has said it will also offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be a danger to older people and young children.

The vaccination is available to those aged between 75 and 79, and is also being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks. Those eligible for flu and Covid-19 vaccinations this year are adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years. The Covid-19 and flu vaccines will also be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the Covid-19 jab.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October is intended to ensure that those most at risk are protected during the colder months. The NHS says the hope is that their vaccination campaigns will help to avoid a ‘tripledemic’ of RSV, Covid and flu overwhelming hospitals across the country at their busiest time of year.

Michelle Kane, Director for Vaccinations at NHS England, said:  “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. Booking is simple either online, via the NHS App or by calling 119.”

Professor Julian Redhead, NHS England’s national clinical director for urgent and emergency care, added: “Vaccines are a crucial in protecting people against the spread of viruses and reducing strain on the NHS, so I would urge everyone eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV jabs booked.”

Many organisations are now also offering flu vaccinations to their workforce to help them stay healthy through the winter. If you want to find out how to protect your workforce against the flu or Covid this winter, Citi Health offers corporate flu vaccination clinics and corporate Covid-19 vaccination clinics on-site at your place of work. Find out more at www.citihealth.co.uk, Telephone 0203 633 6301 or Email gayle@citihealth.co.uk.