NHS issues 'tripledemic' warning as winter viruses spread

The NHS is delivering more than 300 vaccinations a minute as it bids to prevent a ‘tripledemic’ this winter.

Analysis of the latest vaccination data shows 335 vaccinations were given for COVID, flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) per minute on average from 30 September to 17 November. That gave a total of around 3.4M vaccinations a week.

Almost 25M vaccinations have been delivered for the three viruses since rollout began in September as those eligible came forward to get protected.

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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.

Out of almost 25 million vaccinations, more than one million 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.

Mr Russell added: “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.”

Flu vaccinations have been available