See if you are eligible for free vaccines as ‘tripledemic’ of winter illness approaches

Millions of people can book their flu and COVID vaccines from today, which officials hope will ease pressure on the health service ahead of the winter months.

It comes amid concerns from NHS England over a so-called “tripledemic” of flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Bookings open at 9am on Monday and can be made through the NHS website, app or by calling 119.

Who can get the free jabs?

Adults aged 65 and over, long-term care home patients and people in clinical risk groups are all eligible for the vaccines as well as frontline social care workers and people providing care for elderly or disabled people.

Pregnant women are also eligible to get the flu jab, as well as toddlers and children up to year 11. Children from six months to 18 in clinical risk groups are also invited to get the vaccine.

For the first time, the NHS is also offering an RSV vaccine this autumn.

It is available to women from the 28th week of pregnancy to protect their newborns, as well as older people aged 75 to 79.

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Vaccines to help people ‘stay out of hospital’

“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,” said Michelle Kane, director for vaccinations at NHS England.

Older people and young children are much more likely to have to go to hospital with the flu, according to the UK Health Security Agency, which urged people to book their jabs.

“If you are pregnant or have a certain long-term condition you should be offered the vaccines – if unsure, please speak with a trusted nurse or doctor,” said Dr Julie Yates, deputy director for immunisation programmes at the agency.