Eligible Brits are being urged for come forward for jabs to keep them out of hospital this winter.
Flu and Covid jabs are available for all eligible groups from Wednesday (Image: Getty)
A new Covid variant known as XFG is thought to have fuelled a 60% rise in hospitalisations for patients with the virus, according to the NHS. Health chiefs stressed there was no evidence that the strain leads to more serious disease.
However, experts have said mutations in the virus’s spike protein may have given it a slight advantage when evading immunity generated by previous infection or vaccination. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows the hospitalisation rate for Covid has risen from 1.71 per 100,000 people at the end of August, to 2.73 per 100,000 last week.
Mutations in the virus can help it evade the immune system (Image: Getty)
There were 1,216 patients with Covid in hospitals across England at the end of last month, latest published figures show.
The NHS is urging everyone eligible for a free Covid or flu vaccine to come forward as the programme expands to all groups from Wednesday.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “It’s concerning to hear flu and Covid-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving.
“I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.
“Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter.”
Free Covid vaccinations are available for all adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
Meanwhile, flu jabs are being offered to everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline health and social care workers, children and pregnant women.
Appointments can be booked via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online, or by calling 119, and walk-in sessions are taking place at some pharmacies, GP practices and community clinic drop-in centres across the country.
The UKHSA has also reported a 50% increase in rhinovirus which causes the common cold, likely driven by the return of schools after the summer break.
It comes as the NHS warned this winter is on track to be the busiest on record for A&E and ambulance services. More than 450,000 hospital bed days were taken up by patients with flu and Covid last winter.
Hospital trusts have been taking part in “war game” exercises to test their plans for crisis scenarios such as staffing shortages, a rapid rise in demand and multiple virus outbreaks.
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “Vaccines save lives and with flu and Covid-19 cases already rising, I urge all those eligible to come forward and prevent sickness before it happens.
“It is easier than ever to book your vaccination with appointments available at GP surgeries, pharmacies and community centres across the country.
“Get vaccinated and protect yourself, your loved ones and help reduce pressure on the NHS. Don’t wait – book your appointment today.”
