Major NHS warning to do one thing as ‘tripledemic’ surges through the UK

The NHS has given a major “tripledemic” warning this winter and urged people to protect themselves by having a vaccination.

NHS teams are preparing to deliver more than 300 vaccinations a minute for COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the colder months.

According to new analysis of the latest vaccination data from September 30 to November 17, 335 vaccinations have already been given for the three highly contagious conditions per minute on average – with around 3.4 million vaccinations a week taking place.

Now the NHS is urging eligible patients to protect themselves by getting vaccinated against RSV to reduce their risk of a potential “tripledemic”.

Of the almost 25 million vaccinations, more than one million vaccinations – around 87,000 a week – have been given for RSV after the NHS rolled out the jab for the first time ever, in a major push to avoid what its dubbing a “tripledemic” of COVID, flu and RSV over the colder months.

“Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS teams across the country, we are providing more than 300 vaccinations a minute against COVID, flu and RSV, to protect those most vulnerable during the colder months,” said Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening.

He added: “Getting vaccinated is your best defence against winter viruses and will help prevent people from getting seriously ill, reduce the amount of people needing hospital care, and help keep people at home with their families this winter.

“We’ve now delivered millions of vaccinations – with thousands of sites offering COVID and flu jabs together – and have rolled out an RSV vaccination for the first time to help avoid a ‘tripledemic’ this winter – but we’re still urging more people to come forward and make sure they are protected this winter by getting these life saving vaccines as soon as possible.”

Flu vaccinations have been available for pregnant women and children to help stop the virus spreading as schools returned and are now fully rolled out across the country to all remaining eligible groups since September 1.

Anyone eligible can book a COVID or flu vaccine appointment via the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119 for free.

The flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy and there are COVID walk-in vaccination sites. Those eligible for an RSV vaccine include people aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women.

Women should speak to their maternity service about receiving a vaccination from 28 weeks to any point up to birth.

Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.

“It’s great to see we’re boosting people’s immune systems against winter viruses in time for Christmas, with five jabs going in arms every second,” said Dr Julie Yates, Deputy Director Immunisation Programmes at UKHSA.

She said: “It takes around two weeks for you to get optimum protection once vaccinated, so top-up now in time for Christmas. We tend to see flu and COVID-19 circulating at higher levels over this period. Don’t let these viruses spoil your plans if you’re celebrating, or worse, leave you seriously ill or in hospital.”

“It’s great to see so many people coming forward to get their vaccinations, which offer vital protection and reduce pressure on the NHS,” Minister for Public Health, Andrew Gwynne said.

Mr Gwynne added: “I encourage everyone who is eligible to get their flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations as soon as possible. They are without doubt the best way to protect yourself from these viruses that can cause serious harm.”