With a significant number of people eligible for gratis flu, Covid, and RSV jabs, the notably poor take-up this year is worrying doctors who fear a “tripledemic” of viral flu, RSV and the new Covid strain XEC.
However, some may not even be aware they’re missing out on free jabs they qualify for.
The NHS offers free flu and Covid vaccines to all adults 65 or soon to be, patients in long-term care, individuals in clinical risk groups and their household members.
If you’re receiving carer’s allowance, congratulations, you too are entitled to a free jab because of your invaluable service to elderly or vulnerable folks.
Not to forget, frontline social care workers and anyone providing care for older or disabled persons can nab their free shots through work.
Expecting mums and children between six months and 17 years old can also receive varying vaccines based on their age and other medical conditions.
The NHS offers Covid vaccines to Brits aged 65 or over as well as those between 6 months old and 64 with an increased risk or additional health conditions or treatments.
It’s also available to people who live in care homes or people who are pregnant.
For the first time, the RSV vaccine has been made available for free on the NHS this autumn. It’s available to people from the 28th week of pregnancy and for people aged 75 to 79.
People who turned 80 on or after September 1, 2024, will be eligible for the vaccine until next August while those who hit the milestone birthday after September 1, 2024, will not be eligible.
These demographics are the most at risk of having an RSV infection develop into more serious health issues such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
Bookings for free vaccines can be made through the NHS website, app or by calling 119.