Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England Medical Director, mentioned: "Vaccinations are our greatest defence in opposition to flu and COVID-19 forward of what could possibly be a really difficult winter."

Professor Powis warned there may be "potential for this new Covid variant to extend the danger of an infection", therefore why the Covid vaccination programme is moved ahead.

Adult Covid and flu vaccination programmes have been on account of begin in October to maximise safety in opposition to viruses over the winter months.

However, based mostly on a threat evaluation by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the vaccination programme has shifted.

From September 18, the NHS will invite folks – so as of precedence – to ebook a vaccination appointment.

Professor Powis added: "The NHS will work quickly to offer people protection against these nasty viruses as soon as possible.

"First going into grownup care houses and alluring these most in danger together with these with weakened immune techniques.

"So please come forward to get your protection against both Covid and flu as soon as possible once invited – it will help protect you and those around you this winter."

Eligible teams:

• Residents in older grownup care houses
• Immunosuppressed
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Carers
• Pregnant girls
• Health and social care workers.

Eligible folks ought to wait to obtain an invitation from their native supplier.

The goal of an earlier vaccination programme is to scale back the possibility of individuals growing a critical sickness on account of Covid and flu.

And to assist to minimise hospitalisations through the busy winter months.

Where folks had already booked an appointment for his or her flu vaccination earlier in September with their native supplier, these appointments can go forward.

If vaccine provide has been ordered for Covid and flu, websites can begin vaccinating in opposition to each.

Wherever doable, vaccinations for flu and COVID-19 ought to nonetheless be supplied on the similar time.

Steve Russell, NHS England Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccinations mentioned: "While we know that flu and Covid usually hit hardest in December and January, the new Covid variant presents a greater risk now.

"It’s very important you come ahead when it’s your flip."