The Department of Health and Social Care has launched a new campaign encouraging those eligible to get free flu vaccine and booster coronavirus vaccine ahead of winter.

The new film sees media medics Dr Amir Khan, Dr Dawn Harper and Dr Karan Ranj explain why it is more important than ever for people to get their winter vaccines as soon as possible this autumn, as both viruses have the potential to cause serious illness and hospitalisation.

New research suggests that adults in England are severely underestimating the combined threat of coronavirus and flu this winter. There could be a significant flu surge this winter coinciding with continuing or rising coronavirus cases.

A survey seeking views from 3,000 participants found that 32 per cent were unaware that flu and coronavirus can circulate at the same time, over 26 per cent did not know that flu can be fatal and 55 per cent underestimated the number of people who die from flu in an average year in England (which is approximately 11,000).

The research showed some misunderstanding of flu in particular, with around one in ten saying they thought the coronavirus vaccination would protect them against flu.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This year we are rolling out the largest flu vaccine programme in our history, alongside the new Covid-19 booster vaccine rollout; both are important to provide vital protection not only to yourself, but also your loved ones while also helping to ease pressure on the NHS. The Covid-19 vaccine programme is a fantastic example of how successful vaccination programmes can be – with around 130,000 lives saved. It is vital we continue that incredible progress with all those eligible ensuring they get both their flu and Covid-19 booster injections as soon as they are invited.”