NHS bosses have urged Britons to get vaccinated this autumn to prevent a “tripledemic” of flu, covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Michelle Kane, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, said that the three viruses could combine to create a “challenging winter”.
“Vaccines help protect people — and those around them — so I would urge everyone eligible to get their flu, Covid-19 and RSV jabs booked,” she said.
She added: "Booking is simple either online, via the NHS App or by calling 119."
NHS England's Prof Julian Redhead said: "Staff in urgent and emergency care have worked incredibly hard over the last year.
"Patient safety is our number priority and will be the focus for providers this winter.
“Vaccines are a crucial way of protecting people against the spread of viruses and reducing strain on the NHS.
"So I would urge everyone eligible to get their flu, Covid-19 and RSV jabs booked."
Millions of Britons will this winter receive a jab for RSV, which can cause serious illness in young children and elderly people.
Officials suggest the RSV programme could prevent thousands of hospital admissions for babies and elderly people, easing pressure on the NHS in the run-up to the winter months.
The jab has been available to women from 28 weeks of pregnancy since September 1.
Adults turning 75 on or after September 1 are also eligible to receive the jab.
According to the NHS, an average of 146 young children were in hospital with RSV each day at the peak of winter last year, up 11 per cent on the previous year.
From Monday, eligible members of the public will also be able to book a flu and Covid jab.
The vaccine will be offered to people over 65, care home residents, people with pre-existing health conditions as well as frontline health workers.
The UK Health Security Agency's Dr Mary Ramsay said: "Our ongoing surveillance shows that Covid continues to cause severe illness.
"It is putting many in hospital, particularly older people and those with underlying medical conditions.
"But it also shows that the autumn vaccines are effective in helping to give added protection to those most at risk.
"Vaccines almost halve the likelihood of hospitalisation from the virus for a few months following vaccination and over the winter period.
"I urge everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a vaccine as soon as possible once invited.
"It will help improve your immunity to Covid-19, which does wane over time."
