Winter vaccines - all you need to know as NHS sounds 'tripledemic' warning
As we head into winter many people are more vulnerable to colds and infections. Every year hospitals and GP surgeries are overflowing with patients struck down by viruses and bugs.
But while some are harder to head off, such as the winter vomiting bug - norovirus - others have vaccinations available to help protect people against the worst effects of the illnesses.
The NHS has said it is hoped that if the millions of people eligible for vaccinations take take them up it will help avoid a "tripledemic" of RSV, Covid-19 and influenza. Those eligible for free vaccinations will be invited to get them but if you don't qualify you could be able to pay to be vaccinated and get the protection they offer.
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Michelle Kane, Director for Vaccinations at NHS England, said: “The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses – and it takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119, so I would urge everyone eligible to do so, to protect themselves and people around them.
“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. It is therefore vital that everyone eligible comes forward when invited.”
But is it worth it. This is all you need to know from who is eligible to what they do to make your mind up.
Flu jab
Claire Nevinson, Boots Superintendent Pharmacist says vaccination is the best way to be protected against influenza. Here she answers the most commonly asked questions on the flu vaccination.
How effective is the flu jab and how long until I’m fully protected?
Claire says: "A flu jab is the best way to keep yourself and others protected from the virus this winter. Having the jab also reduces the risk of passing the virus onto others. After your jab, it usually takes around 10 to 14 days for you to be protected, so it’s best to book your vaccination as early as you can.”
Who is eligible for a free NHS jab?
“Free NHS flu jabs are offered to those more at risk from complications from flu. Anyone over the age of 65 is eligible for an NHS flu jab, as well as other eligibility criteria including those who are pregnant, those with certain medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease and those people who are carers.”
According to the NHS the following are eligible for a flu vaccination on the NHS. Most people who qualify will be contacted and invited to be vaccinated.
From 3 October:
those aged 65 years and over
those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
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.
Those eligible for an autumn Covid booster are:
residents in a care home for older adults
all adults aged 65 years and over
persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women
frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
From 1 September:
pregnant women
all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
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
If I am not eligible, should I still get a flu jab?
Claire says: “I would recommend getting a flu vaccine this year even if not eligible on the NHS. Getting your flu jab is the best way to keep you, and the people around you, protected from getting flu. Boots offers a private flu jab service for those who are not eligible on the NHS but would still like to receive a flu jab.”
I had the flu jab last year, do I need to get it again?
“Flu virus strains can change from year to year, which means that last year’s jab may not protect you from this year’s main circulating strains. What’s more, protection provided by the flu jab decreases over time, so it’s important to get your flu jab every year.”
I’m eligible for a COVID-19 booster, do I need to book a flu jab too?
“A flu vaccination does not offer protection from COVID-19 and vice versa. If you are eligible for both, the flu jab and COVID-19 booster can be administered together during the same appointment subject to availability in some of our stores. You can check your eligibility for a COVID booster and NHS flu jab through the NHS website, or pop in store and speak to your local pharmacist who can help advise on appropriate options for you.”
Is the flu vaccination appropriate to have during pregnancy?
“The flu vaccination is appropriate at any stage of pregnancy, from the first weeks of conception right up until labour. If you become pregnant later in the flu season, you can still have the jab.”
When should I get the flu vaccine?
“The best time to have a flu jab to ensure maximum protection is in the autumn months before the virus begins to circulate. This allows the body to obtain optimum protection and immunity. After you've received the jab, it usually takes around 10 to 14 days for you to be protected, so it’s best to book your vaccination as early as you can.”
Will the vaccination give me the flu?
"No, injected flu vaccinations contain a tiny amount of an inactive flu virus that cannot give you the flu. Some people may experience a temporary raised temperature and aching muscles, and you may feel sore at the injection site, but these side effects tend to be mild and only last for a day or so."
Where can I get my flu jab?
Pregnant women can now get their free NHS flu jab in most Boots stores. The flu jab is also available now for private patients, subject to availability. It will become available for other groups eligible for a free NHS vaccination from 3 October, in line with the NHS Flu and COVID-19 Seasonal Vaccination Programme for the autumn/winter season 2024-25.
To book a private vaccination or a free NHS vaccination for 3 October onwards, visit boots.com/flu or visit your local Boots.
Covid-19
According to the NHS the vaccination helps protect against Covid-19 which can be serious or even life-threatening in some people. The vaccination is offered on the NHS to those at increased risk of getting seriously ill from the virus.
What does Covid-19 vaccine do?
The NHS says: "Covid-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you're at increased risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19. The vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It's important to top up your protection if you're eligible."
It can:
help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
protect against different types of COVID-19 virus
How is the vaccine given?
The Covid-19 vaccine is given as an injection. Most people only need 1 dose of the winter vaccine.
Who should have the Covid-19 vaccine?
The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for people at increased risk from the virus. These include:
are aged 65 or over
are pregnant
are aged 6 months to 64 years and have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19 because of a health condition or treatment
live in a care home for older adults
When to have the vaccination
Eligible people will be able to get a winter Covid-19 vaccine from 3 October 2024.
How to get the Covid-19 vaccine
Eligible people may be able to get a vaccine from:
a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
a local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery
your care home (if you live in a care home)
You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment. Book online now. You can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. You need to book your vaccination before 20 December 2024.
Can I get it privately if I am not eligible?
You can get the Covid-19 vaccination privately at a number of Pharmacies. Those offering the service include Boots and Pharmadoctor.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
This year, for the first time, the NHS will offer vaccines for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children. The jab will be available to those aged 75 to 79, and it will be offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child. This is what the NHS says about RSV and its vaccination:
What the RSV vaccine is for
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is a common cause of coughs and colds.
Most people get it several times during their life. It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses such as pneumonia (a lung infection) or bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies).
The NHS says: "These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.
"Getting RSV can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Who should have the RSV vaccine
The RSV vaccine is recommended if:
you're pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they're born
you're aged 75 to 79
If you're aged 80 or over
If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you're eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025. You're not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 before 1 September 2024.
How to get the RSV vaccine
There are different ways to get the RSV vaccine:
If you're pregnant You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour. Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.
If you're aged 75 to 79 your GP surgery will usually contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email. You need to wait to be contacted before booking your vaccination.
What if I'm not eligible?
If you want the RSV vaccination you can pay to get it privately. Organisations that do this include Pharmadoctor which operates nationwide.
How the RSV vaccine is given
The RSV vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm. Unlike some vaccines (such as flu or Covid-19 vaccines), the RSV vaccine is given all year round.
If you're pregnant, you should have the vaccine during every pregnancy. This will help make sure each baby is protected for the first 6 months after they're born, when they're most likely to get seriously ill if they get RSV. Older adults only need 1 dose, which should protect them for several years.
Having the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines
If you're pregnant, you can have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines, such as the whooping cough and flu vaccines. But it's best to have them as soon as they're offered rather than waiting to have them at the same time.
If you're aged 75 to 79, the RSV vaccine is not usually given at the same appointment as your flu or COVID-19 vaccines, but you can have them at the same time if a doctor or nurse thinks it's needed. You can have it at the same time as other vaccines, such as the shingles and pneumococcal vaccines.