Millions urged to get vaccines as experts predict Covid and flu spike this Winter
Both Covid and flu jabs have been recommended by healthcare officials
Millions of people in the UK have been urged to get both their Covid and flu vaccinations after experts warn of a potential spike of both viruses this winter.
Officials at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say there will be lower levels of natural immunity to flu this year after a few winters when people socialised far less due to the Covid pandemic.
As well as this, international surveillance shows the UK can expect the spread of H3N2 (a subtype of influenza type A) which has recently caused waves of infection in Australia.
In the winter of 2017/2018, the H3N2 flu strain led to a severe UK flu season which resulted in around 20,000 deaths and 40,000 hospital admissions.
In addition to this predicted flu wave, there are reportedly "early indications" that Covid rates are beginning to rise ahead of winter.
Who is eligible for vaccinations?
Under plans announced today, around 33 million people in England will be eligible for a free flu jabs and around 26 million people will be able to access the autumn Covid-19 booster vaccine.
People who qualify for both jabs could be offered the flu and Covid jab at the same time, if supply allows.
Those invited to get the flu jab:
People aged 50 and over, those aged six months to 49 with specified health conditions, pregnant women, those in care homes, frontline health and social care staff, carers and the household contacts of people with weakened immune systems have all now been invited to get their flu jab.
Primary and secondary school children from reception to Years 7, 8 and 9 are also offered the vaccine, with any remaining doses set to be given to Years 10 and 11.
Further to this, children aged two and three years old (as of August 31) have been invited to receive the nasal spray vaccine.
All those eligible, can get a jab from their GP surgery or pharmacies offering an NHS vaccine service.
Those who qualify for the Covid booster:
Adults aged 50 and over who are in an at-risk group, those aged five to 49 with health conditions that put them at greater risk, pregnant women, care home workers, frontline health and social care workers, carers and the household contacts of people with weakened immune systems have been announced to qualify for the Covid-19 booster jab.
All those eligible for a booster have been invited to book an appointment through NHS online.
What are the scientists saying?
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, said: "Flu and Covid-19 are unpredictable but there are strong indications we could be facing the threat of widely circulating flu, lower levels of natural immunity due to less exposure over the last three winters and an increase in Covid-19 circulating with lots of variants that can evade the immune response.
"This combination poses a serious risk to our health, particularly those in high-risk groups.
"The H3N2 flu strain can cause particularly severe illness. If you are elderly or vulnerable because of other conditions you are at greater risk, so getting the flu jab is a sensible, potentially life-saving thing to do."
England's deputy chief medical officer Dr Thomas Waite said: "Vaccines have saved many lives over the years for both flu and more recently Covid.
"But we must not be complacent - infections will rise once again this winter, so it's really important people get both their Covid and flu vaccines if eligible."
NHS expert warns we may see a 'twindemic'
NHS director for vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: "This winter could be the first time we see the effects of the so-called 'twindemic' with both Covid and flu in full circulation.
"So it is vital that those most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses come forward for vaccines in order to protect themselves and those around them."