As Professor Jonathan Van-Tam issues a rallying cry to the nation over fears of a killer flu season, we answer six key questions.
Modelling suggests as many as 60,000 people could die from flu this winter as natural immunity has been weakened due to successive lockdowns.
Modelling from the Academy of Medical Sciences predicts between 15,000 and 60,000 flu deaths and 35million Brits are set to be offered a free jab.
But who can get it, and the Covid-19 booster as well? Can you catch both viruses together, and would that make the prospect of death more likely?
For answers to those questions and more, read on...
Who can get the flu jab?
The flu jab has now been expanded to include all school-age children on top of those aged two to three.
All over 50s can get a free jab as well as health and care workers, unpaid carers, people living in long-stay residential care, pregnant women and anyone who lives with someone with a condition that makes them susceptible to infection.
Under 50s who don’t qualify for a free flu jab can buy one privately from a pharmacist for around £15.
Who can get a Covid-19 booster?
They are being offered to over-50s and people with certain underlying health conditions.
Frontline healthcare workers, social care workers and unpaid carers will also be eligible.
These groups will be offered a third dose at least six months after their second, as soon as local NHS stocks allow.
Will I get one in each arm?
The NHS is advised to administer both doses at the same appointment if stocks allow.
Clinical trials have shown this is safe and both vaccines are just as effective when injected at the same time.
However if only one is available the NHS will offer that straight away rather than delaying vaccine protection.
Most people will be offered the jabs in separate appointments.
Can you get flu and Covid-19 at the same time?
It is rare but still possible to catch two respiratory viruses at once.
Covid-19 is still relatively new so it is unclear how likely it is to develop alongside a flu infection.
Are you more likely to die if that happens?
This winter will be the first time both flu and the SARS-CoV-2 virus, that causes Covid-19 disease, will be circulating widely.
The possibility of being hit by two at once - or one when you have not yet fully recovered from the other - is a concern.
Experts fear it could make hospitalisation and death more likely.
How do you get your jabs?
People can book their free NHS flu vaccine via pharmacies or they can wait for their GP surgery to contact them.
Those eligible for a coronavirus booster jab are being told to wait until they are contacted, although health and social care workers can book one online via the NHS website.
