'Tripledemic' fear as RSV vaccine rolled out

The NHS is urging eligible patients to protect themselves this winter by getting vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time as doctors warn of a potential "tripledemic" of RSV, flu and Covid-19.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds but can also lead to severe respiratory illness, especially in the most vulnerable.

Doctors say vaccination is especially important for older adults, pregnant women, young infants and individuals with certain long-term health conditions.

Dr Andrew Hodson, deputy chief medical officer at NHS Sussex, said: "We want to make sure that as many people as possible are safeguarded against this virus."

He added: “As we head into the colder months, it’s so important that people who are at risk take advantage of the RSV vaccine. Many are still unprotected."

According to NHS Sussex, among those eligible for winter vaccinations in the county, 1,007,359 people qualify for a free flu vaccine, 607,733 are eligible for a Covid-19 booster and 93,579 older adults qualify for the free RSV vaccine.

It is the first time in NHS history that the RSV vaccination has been offered.

The vaccination is free to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy, as it helps protect newborn babies in their first months of life, as well as to adults aged 75 to 79.

The RSV, Covid-19, and flu vaccines have been available since the middle of September but health and care leaders in Sussex are concerned that many eligible individuals remain unprotected.

Dr Bikram Raychaudhuri, a GP and clinical director with NHS Sussex, said the vaccinations were being offered together because "all of them together form what we are afraid of - a tripledemic".

He described this as "three viruses going around the community at the same time, holding hands and unfortunately looking to cause mischief".

NHS Sussex said eligible individuals can book appointments via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119.

It said: "Eligible people should book now and not wait for an invitation, although GP practices and other local NHS services have already invited over 11 million people to come forward and will continue to reach out."

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