NHS England » More than 300 jabs per minute as part of NHS efforts to prevent winter ‘triple epidemic’

NHS teams are administering more than 300 jabs a minute against COVID, flu and RSV in a huge effort to help avoid a “triple epidemic” this winter.

A new analysis of the latest vaccination data (from Sept. 30 to Nov. 17) shows that an average of 335 COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) shots were administered per minute, amounting to about 3.4 million shots per week.

In total, about 25 million COVID, flu and RSV vaccinations have been delivered since the rollout began in September as those eligible seek protection.

Of the nearly 25 million jabs given, more than one million jabs, around 87,000 a week, have been for RSV since the NHS first introduced the vaccine in a bid to avoid the triple epidemic of COVID, flu and RSV. in colder months.

The flu vaccine has been available to pregnant women and children since 1 September to help stop the spread of the virus when schools return, and is now fully rolled out across the country to all remaining eligible groups.

Anyone who is eligible can book an appointment for a COVID or flu vaccine through the NHS website, NHS app or by calling 119 for free. The flu vaccine can also be booked by finding your local pharmacy online and at vaccination sites there are special places for COVID.

People eligible for RSV vaccination include people aged 75 to 79 years and pregnant women. Women should talk to their maternity service about the possibility of vaccination from 28 weeks until any time before birth. Alternatively, pregnant women can be vaccinated upon request at their local GP practice, and older people will be invited by their local GP practice.

Steve Russell, National Health Service director for vaccination and screening, said:: “Thanks to the incredible efforts of NHS staff across the country, we are delivering more than 300 vaccinations per minute against COVID, flu and RSV to protect those most vulnerable during the colder months.

“Vaccination is your best defense against winter viruses and will help prevent people becoming seriously ill, reduce the number of people needing hospital care and help people stay at home with their families this winter.

“We’ve given millions of vaccinations so far – with thousands of sites offering COVID and flu shots simultaneously – and introduced RSV vaccination for the first time to help avoid a ‘triple epidemic’ this winter – but we’re still calling on more people to come forward and make sure they are protected this winter by receiving these life-saving vaccines as soon as possible.”

Dr Julie Yates, UKHSA Deputy Director of Immunization Programmes, said:: “It’s great to see that for Christmas we are strengthening people’s immune systems against winter viruses, with five jabs being given every second. Once vaccinated, it will take about two weeks for you to receive optimal protection, so replenish your supply in time for Christmas. We tend to see flu and COVID-19 circulating at higher levels during this period. Don’t let these viruses ruin your plans if you’re celebrating, or worse, leave you seriously ill or in hospital.”

Health Minister Andrew Gwynne said: “It’s great to see so many people coming forward for the jabs, which provide vital protection and relieve 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 a doubt the best way to protect yourself from viruses that can cause serious harm.”