NHS England reported on 17 October 2024 that NHS staff have delivered 10,709,958 Covid and flu vaccinations in England during the autumn campaign. The figure covers flu jabs given since the rollout began on 1 September and Covid jabs given since eligibility opened on 3 October1.
The first seasonal vaccination data, published the same day, shows 5,737,434 doses were given in the week ending 13 October: 2,181,198 Covid-19 vaccinations and 3,556,236 flu vaccinations. Of the total, 3,794,214 vaccines were delivered in the 10 days from 3 to 13 October. Flu vaccinations since 1 September total 6,915,744, and more than 2.8 million Covid-19 jabs have been given this month so far. Around 600,000 Covid vaccines went to people in clinical risk groups in the first 10 days of the rollout1.
The NHS has invited over 11 million people in England, and states that eligible people do not have to wait for an invitation to book. Appointments can be booked through the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119 free of charge, and walk-in sites are available for Covid-19 vaccination1.
For the first time in NHS history, RSV vaccinations began on 1 September for pregnant women and older adults, with 714,699 doses administered to date. Pregnant women at least 28 weeks pregnant are asked to speak to their maternity service or GP practice, and people aged 75 to 79 should wait to be invited by their GP practice1.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said:
"We are seeing a rise of flu and Covid cases and hospitalisations, on top of a seasonal rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which are adding to the growing risk of a tripledemic this winter as pressures on NHS services are increased."
The UK Health Security Agency's latest surveillance data, for week 40, shows an increase in Covid-19 and influenza hospitalisations and a rise in Covid-19 acute respiratory incidents1. Julie Yates, UKHSA's Deputy Director of Immunisation Programmes, said every year many of those at greater risk do not get their vaccines, "with many thousands ending up in hospital and far too many tragically dying", and that those invited for a flu, Covid-19 or RSV jab are invited because they are at greater risk1.
Eligibility for both a Covid-19 and flu vaccination, as listed by NHS England1:
| Group | Eligible for |
|---|---|
| Aged 65 or over | Covid-19 and flu |
| Pregnant | Covid-19 and flu |
| Aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book) | Covid-19 and flu |
| Living in a care home for older adults | Covid-19 and flu |
| Frontline health and social care worker, including those working in care homes for older adults | Covid-19 and flu |
| Carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or the main carer of an elderly or disabled person | Flu |
| Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals | Flu |
| All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 | Flu |
| Primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6) and secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11) | Flu |
| All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years | Flu |
| Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme | Flu |
Why it matters for households
The figures cover England only. Households with members in the eligible groups above can book now rather than waiting for an invitation, according to NHS England, which also states that the flu vaccine can be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy1. UKHSA reports rising Covid-19 and flu hospitalisations and advises that anyone invited for a flu, Covid-19 or RSV jab should not delay, and should speak to their GP surgery or local pharmacist if unsure about eligibility1. The guide to vaccines that protect against outbreaks sets out how the main seasonal and outbreak vaccines work, and the UK Health Security Agency guide explains how its alerts and surveillance reporting operate. The health emergencies hub covers wider planning for health incidents.
What happens next
NHS England states that data on the autumn vaccination campaign will be published weekly on its website from now on1.
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
