A NEW campaign has been launched urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and covid booster vaccines.
Adverts will air across television, radio and social media stressing the importance of people getting both vaccines.
Those with long-term health conditions, pregnant women and in ethnic minority communities will be targeted, as well as those with ‘low vaccine confidence’.
More than 10million people were expected to have received their covid autumn booster by the start of this week with 49.5 per cent of those aged 65 and over getting their flu jab.
The latest covid data shows high rates of cases and hospitalisations as a result of the virus.
Flu cases have also climbed rapidly, leading to added pressure on emergency departments.
The rates of hospitalisations and ICU admissions have been rising fastest in children under five.
This year’s campaign will highlight the protection provided by vaccines and how it wanes over time, with adverts using blue and yellow halos to represent the protection both vaccines provide.
The NHS will also be bringing back the Winter Vaccines chatbot, an instant online conversation tool which can answer frequently asked questions about getting the boosters.
Campaign ambassador teams will also be engaging with groups which tend to be more vaccine-hesitant.
Around 33million people are eligible for the flu vaccine, with 26million able to receive a covid-19 booster.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of immunisations at UK the ealth Security Agency, said: “The latest data follows the pattern we predicted, and a difficult winter is expected.
“This year we want people to think about covid-19 and flu as equally important – and both vaccines will provide a ‘boost’ this winter.
“Covid-19 vaccine protection decreases over time and topping-up immunity will help to provide better protection against new variants.
“So far, we have seen millions of people getting their vaccines, particularly older age groups who remain at risk of severe illness and deaths from both diseases.
“Having both vaccines will help to protect you and to protect the health service so we can continue to treat patients with other conditions.”
