Responding to an announcement from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that everyone eligible for a free flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster should take up the offer as soon as possible ahead of a potentially difficult winter with respiratory viruses circulating widely, the interim deputy chief executive and director of policy and strategy at NHS Providers, Miriam Deakin said:

"Leaders across health and care services are bracing themselves for a possible 'twindemic' of COVID-19 alongside an early flu season. The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and hospital admissions is concerning and time will tell if this ripple turns into a full-blown wave.

"COVID-19 boosters and flu vaccines this autumn will reduce the risk of serious illness and we would urge everyone to have their jabs when they can."