NHS issues 'tripledemic' warning as winter viruses spread

The NHS is delivering more than 300 vaccinations a minute as it bids to prevent a ‘tripledemic’ this winter.

Analysis of the latest vaccination data shows 335 vaccinations were given for COVID, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) per minute on average from 30 September to 17 November. That gave a total of around 3.4M vaccinations a week.

Almost 25M vaccinations have been delivered for the three viruses since rollout began in September as those eligible came forward to get protected.

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Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “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.

“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.

Out of almost 25 million vaccinations, more than one million have been given for RSV after the NHS rolled out the jab for the first time ever in a major push to avoid a tripledemic of COVID, flu and RSV over the colder months.

Mr Russell added: “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 lifesaving vaccines as soon as possible.”

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

Those eligible for an RSV vaccine include people aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women. The NHS advises women from 28 weeks to any point up to birth to speak to their maternity service about receiving a vaccination.

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

Dr Julie Yates, Deputy Director Immunisation Programmes at UKHSA, said: “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. 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.”

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, while there are COVID walk-in vaccination sites.

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

“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.”