NHS teams are delivering more than 300 vaccinations a minute for
COVID, flu and RSV in a huge effort to help avoid a ‘tripledemic'
this winter.
New analysis of the latest vaccination data
(from 30 September to 17 November) shows 335 vaccinations were
given for COVID, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) per
minute on average, with around 3.4 million vaccinations a week.
In total, nearly 25 million vaccinations have been delivered for
COVID, flu and RSV, since rollout began in September, as those
eligible come forward to get their protection.
Of the almost 25 million vaccinations, more than one million
vaccinations, around 87,000 a week, 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.
Since 1 September, flu vaccinations have been available for
pregnant women and children to help stop the virus spreading as
schools returned and are now fully rolled out across the country
to all remaining eligible groups.
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 and there are COVID walk in vaccination sites.
Those eligible for an RSV vaccine include people aged 75 to 79
and pregnant women. Women should speak to their maternity service
about receiving a vaccination from 28 weeks to any point up to
birth. Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated by
request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be
invited by their local GP practice.
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.
“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.”
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.”
Minister for Public Health, 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.”
