The NHS vaccination programme to protect vulnerable people in the South East from a potential ‘tripledemic’ of Covid-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is off to a strong start.

Over 1 million flu jabs have already been administered, alongside nearly 700,000 covid-19 vaccinations and over 126,000 RSV vaccinations, offering vital protection as winter approaches.

With thousands of appointments still available, eligible individuals are urged to book to join those already vaccinated.

James Hempsted-Kingham, Director of Primary Care & Public Health Commissioning for the region, said: “We’re thrilled that over 1 million people have already come forward for their flu jabs, and nearly 700,000 for their covid-19 vaccinations. The introduction of the RSV vaccine has also been well-received, with over 126,000 people now protected from this serious respiratory virus.

He added: “Our aim is to protect as many people as possible from the triple threat of flu, covid-19, and RSV this winter.

“These viruses can put older people, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions at greater risk so I encourage everyone eligible to book their vaccinations.”

Simon Ferris, UKHSA South East health protection consultant and respiratory lead, said: “It is very encouraging that so many people in the South East are getting vaccinated, taking advantage of one of the best ways to protect against respiratory infections as winter approaches.

“Flu, COVID-19, and RSV tend to rise during the colder months and can pose serious, sometimes life-threatening risks. By getting vaccinated, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to protect your loved ones—especially elderly relatives, young children, and those with existing health conditions who are more vulnerable. I urge everyone who is eligible to book their vaccines and get protected.”

Flu vaccinations for children and pregnant women began in September to prevent the virus from spreading among younger and vulnerable populations, with all others eligible to receive their jabs since earlier this month.

GP practices and local NHS services continue to contact eligible individuals, but people can book without waiting for an invitation by using the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119. Flu vaccines are also available through local pharmacies, and there are walk-in sites for COVID-19 vaccines across the South East.

You are eligible for a Covid-19 and flu vaccination if you:

• are aged 65 or over
• are pregnant
• are aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• live in a care home for older adults
• are a frontline health and social care worker, including those working in care homes for older adults

In addition to the above, those also eligible for a flu vaccine include:

• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance or are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6) and secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or personal health budgets, such as personal assistants

The NHS is offering the RSV vaccine for the first time this year, available to those aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks to help protect newborns. RSV, a common cause of colds, can lead to serious complications in older adults and young children. It is expected to prevent thousands of A&E attendances and hospital admissions this winter.

To receive the RSV vaccine, pregnant women should speak to their maternity service or GP practice and those aged 75 to 79 should wait to be invited for their vaccine by their GP practice.

Last year, over 3 million people in the South East received their flu vaccinations, and more than 2.1 million received their COVID-19 booster. This year, with the added protection of RSV vaccinations, the NHS is committed to keeping people safe and healthy throughout the winter months.